Walker's ghostly encounter

A Shropshire lorry driver was astonished to meet an elderly man dressed in traditional milking gown who apparently vanished into thin air near the county's former sugar beet factory.

West Midlands Ghost Club is now hoping to make a site visit to investigate the apparition.

It was spotted by father-of-three Garry Smart, of Trench, Telford, who has enjoyed the countryside around Allscott for at least 30 years.

Mr Smart, 37, said: "I started walking in the area as young as I can remember with an uncle of mine, progressed to rabbiting when I was about 15 and still walk my dogs there to the present day."

He said the mystery sighting happened at 5.30pm last Sunday as he was walking his two dogs close to the old factory.

His nine-month-old pup began barking and he looked to see what had attracted the dog's attention.

"I saw an elderly man wearing what looked to be a long, sandy brown coloured gown, like farmers used for milking the cows, and a flat cap. I said 'all right' to him. He looked towards me, continued to walk without acknowledging me.

"I picked the pup up as he was still barking, walked about 10 paces and looked in the direction the man had walked but he was nowhere to be seen."

Nick Duffy, of West Midlands Ghost Club, said: "We hope to make a visit to investigate. We are also keen to hear of any ghostly encounters in Shropshire. People can call us on 07944 478708."