As Halloween approaches, The Oldham Times has been digging for sightings of things from out of this world that are believed to be haunting the borough's most adored landmarks.

The Paranormal Database, a website run by Darren Mann, reveals there are numerous sites of interest when it comes to supernatural activity, many of which have been spotted in our pubs and residential streets.

Yet even more local legends have been collated by the Oldham Theatre Workshop in its interactive ghost trail.

Here are some highlights of creepy reports made at some od Oldham's most loved landmarks:

Saddleworth Moor

In late 2006, a flash of lights in a hexagon pattern believed to be a UFO was spotted for several seconds before it vanished.

But this was not the only extraterrestrial sighting on the moors either with a 'bus sized UFO' believed to have been seen in 1975.

The Old Museum, Greaves Street

The Old Museum is said to be haunted by two ghosts, the 'grey lady' and a Victorian boy.

And nearby at Positive Steps, a former swimming baths, a man has been seen patrolling 'frantically' around what would have been the edge of the pool.

Birchen Bower, Bower Lane

The site of Birchen Bower – a former manor house in Hollinwood – is haunted by the headless ghost of Madame Hannah Beswick, also known as the Manchester Mummy.

The lingering figure, who dons a black silk dress and frilly cap, was allegedly seen by 35 Ferranti workers.

However, she also only ever comes out on clear nights, which perhaps explains why she was last seen in the 1950s.

The Empire Theatre, Waterloo Street

Oldham's Empire Theatre, which was once a grand auditorium built across multiple levels, was demolished in 1981 - but has since become another hotspot for paranormal activity.

The rubble attracted young children to play at the derelict site but one day their play turned to tragedy when the floor collapsed and the youngsters hurled to their deaths.

It is claimed the distant screams of children can sometimes be heard for miles.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Harold Norman, an actor who played a lead role in Macbeth in 1947, was stabbed in front of a live audience and died a few weeks later of blood poisoning.

But legend has it that Harold returned to the coliseum, either to seek vengeance or to finish his performance.

Audience members claim to have seen the apparition in the circle on the opening night of productions and experience an 'icy cold sensation'.

He is also known to tip seats up and down and turn generators and radios on.

The Old Central Library

Mary Clarke met her lover at the Old Library in the early 20th century.

However, he tragically died in battle in WWI.

It is believed Mary haunts the library in search of her sweetheart as librarians have reported to hear a tapping sound, as though someone is walking along the shelves.