CHILDREN explored the spooky past of The Commandery in a series of Halloween events this weekend.

The young visitors learnt about the 17th century witch trials through a variety of activities in keeping with the Puritans and Poppets theme.

Witch hunter, Matthew Hopkins, patrolled the corridors of the historic building as the the youngsters learnt about its haunted history.

A sold-out adult 'ghost walk' of the 12th century building also took place on Saturday, October 29, with reenactors jumping out and shocking the guests.

Kerry Whitehouse, who works at The Commandery, in Sidbury, Worcester, said: "Some of the Worcester Militia are planted around the place.

"They will shout and move chairs and at one point someone will be pushed out of the room.

"We think the building is haunted. The female staff members tend to hear doors opening, lighter stuff, but some of the men get pushed.

"The ghost stories have been collected from people working in both the present and past."

The 'ghost walk' started at 7.30pm, with all of the 25 tickets sold and Ms Whitehouse claiming they could have sold twice as many.

The kids enjoyed a slightly less scary series of day-time activities as part of the Puritans and Poppets events on Saturday and Sunday.

Witch broom races were held in the building's grounds as well as a potions workshop and the guided ghost tour.

Ms Whitehouse added: "The children get to create witch bottles, which include sharp objects and one lucky charm, to stop evil spirits and witches getting out. They will also be making 'worry poppets'."