As the hit film advised, you should get in touch with your local ghostbusters sharpish.

And with banging doors, mysterious smells and ghostly figures seen to be lurking in the corridors of Peterborough Museum for years, its staff have enlisted the services of a squad of spookhunters.

The crack team of special investigators from Paranormal Tours will camp out at the historic building to find out exactly what is going bump in the night.

And with sightings of an eerie apparition said to be the Lonely Anzac First World War soldier Thomas Hunter floating on the stairs, a ghostly kitchen maid who fell to her death and a Roman soldier just some of the spectres spotted, they are sure to have rich pickings.

The Hampshire-based group, which specialises in ghost hunts, has chosen to hold its first-ever museum investigation in the city's Priestgate on October 6, and like the popular Most Haunted show, will use hi-tech kit to examine the unexplained happenings.

And people with nerves of steel are being sought to take part in the fright night.

Event organiser Kerry Marsay said: "Although staying awake may sound difficult, with a full programme of activities, and the potential for ghostly experiences, there is unlikely to be a dull moment."

During the event, participants are given an introductory workshop and training in the equipment they will use for conducting experiments, including meters to measure changes in frequency, thermometers, motion detectors, and devices to record "electronic voice phenomena".

All ghosthunters are invited to bring their own digital cameras and night vision equipment.

The group will be able to speak to a local historian to find out about the past of the property – the main building of which dates from 1816, when it was a magistrate's house, before being used as a hospital – as well as using a medium to communicate with any presence they detect.

The event will start at 8pm, and last until 6am.

Kerry said: "We are really excited and privileged at the prospect of investigating the museum.

"Sceptics and believers alike tend to leave our events with far more questions than when they arrive."

The event is limited to 24 participants. Places cost £99 per person and include all activities, use of equipment plus supper and refreshments throughout the night.

To book a place, call Paranormal Tours on 0871 288 4026.