THIS "ghostly" bearded figure was captured on camera by an Otley vicar more than a century ago.

The Rev C L Tweedale, his wife Margaret and son Herschel all signed statements to say the the photograph had not been tampered with - and the picture was touted as proof of clairvoyance.

According to their statements, which appeared in the Wharfedale Observer, the spectre has been spotted by Margaret, and although neither her son nor husband could see it, the figure showed up clearly in the photograph.

The Rev Tweedle said "We are faced with the fact that my wife clairvoyantly saw the figure of a man with a good head of hair and a beard."

He added: "The camera is an optical and mechanical apparatus devoid of imagination, and which cannot be hallucinated. Thus the reality of the clairvoyant vision is photographically and scientifically proved."

A bit of light relief was provided by these posties when they were out and about raising money for charity in March 1993.

FIRST World War sentences by Richard Thackrah:

Advert: Save money and buy chequered bonds and help British war expenses.

Ilkley Military Service Tribunal—only applications for postponement granted.

Collection in Ilkley for reed instruments for 17th West Yorkshire Leeds Bantams. The Battalion has been training for some time in Ilkley.

For the Orphan Fund connected with the National Union of Railwaymen, a very successful tea and social took place and raised £14-2s-1d.