AT midnight, a shadowy coach drawn by four headless horses glides ghostlike through Penryn town centre. The mere sight of it is said to portend death.

Meanwhile, the apparition of Captain Martin, who drowned in an 1880s shipwreck, prowls the graveyard of St Gluvias’ Church searching for his own headstone.

These are just two of Penryn town’s best known ghost stories, and there are many more.

This Halloween, Cornwall-based production hub Scary Little Girls and Trifle Gathering Productions will lift the lid on the spectral secrets of Penryn’s ghostly past.

Bringing together the best in Cornish writing and performance, “A Scary Little Gathering” is a unique Halloween storytelling event through Penryn town centre on Saturday and Sunday featuring original stories, chilling experiences and a host of Halloween games.

Small groups will set off into the night with only a map to guide them through a specially prepared route as they cross paths with the ghouls and spectres of Penryn’s past.

As they explore the town’s darker sides, performers hidden in local haunts, homes, hostelries and high streets will step forward from the shadows with tall tales and stories designed to bring Penryn’s phantoms back from the dead.

Written by L H Trevail, Pauline Sheppard and Kate Kerrow, A Scary Little Gathering is an intimate and haunting event where you will see, hear and experience Penryn as never before.

“This is your chance to engage with Penryn’s little-known history in a brand new way,” says Creative Producer, Sharon Andrew.

“The stories we’ve unearthed are both fascinating and spine-tingling, and we present them in a thrilling and entertaining way with live performers and characters.”

The Gathering takes place on Saturday and Sunday with all walks beginning at Penryn Train Station. Each walk costs £8/6 in advance, or £10 on the door, and lasts approximately 90 minutes, departing at 6pm, 6.45pm, 7.30pm, 8.15pm and 9pm on both days.

To book see www.crbo.co.uk, or call 01726 879 500.