Ghost-hunting at Old Nick for GAPA

A SPECIAL evening of spooks and spirits is set to take place at the Old Nick Theatre to raise some much-needed cash for Gainsborough Adventure Playground.

Back in September 2011, GAPA received a ‘life-saving’ £15,000 grant from West Lindsey District Council to help it keep running its play services.

But now, that money is set to run out in March - and they’re in danger of closing once again. That’s why director of Phantom Nights and Gainsborough Paranormal Richard Warwick wanted to do his bit to help save the struggling kids’ centre.

“We know that councils are tightening their belts and it’s no good begging for money at the moment,” said Richard. “I went to GAPA back in the 1970s for about 10 years when I was a kid and now my kids go there so I know and love what they’re all about with their values and keeping youngsters safe and off the streets. It’s one of the best places that Gainsborough has, and that’s why we need to fight to save it.”

And that’s why Richard thought he’d combine his love of the paranormal with his respect for GAPA in a bid to help keep them afloat - by putting on a special ghosthunt in one of the town’s spookiest locations, former police station The Old Nick Theatre.

“Us lot at Phantom Nights go to all sorts of places around the area every Friday night and see all kinds of crazy things,” he said.

“We contacted John Derbyshire at the Old Nick who said he’d let us have it for free, which is very kind of him so we’d like to thank him for that special act of generosity.”

Richard added: “We know that the Old Nick always performs very wellas a location for ghost hunts, and John believes there is something here and say he has heard applause in the auditorium and cells when there’s no one else around.”

GAPA manager Lisa Pinkney said: “This is brilliant - the support shown by local people is always quite special, and this is a really creative way of raising money. We are coming up to a new financial year in April and are looking at funding options - we’re always trying out different ideas and fund-raising initiatives but we do run the risk of closing again.”

She added: “I’d just like to thank the group and everyone else from around Gainsborough who has shown ushc great support for GAPA.”

The Ghosthunt for GAPA at the Old Nick Theatre will take place on 15th June from 9pm-2am.

Tickets are £20 and are available by visiting www.phantomnights.co.uk.