A GRANDFATHER who co-founded the second oldest ghost tour in York is set to return as Haunted Harry, The Village Drunk.

Harry Mercer, of Fulford, York, died in April at the age of 79 after spending his final days at St Leonard's Hospice, in Tadcaster Road.

Now his family want to remember their treasured grandad by holding a charity event to raise money for the hospice that cared for him.

The Haunted Harry Charity Evening will take place on Wednesday, October 24, when all of the city's ghost tours will donate their tour profits to the hospice.

Harry's grandson, Tom Mercer said: "When grandad was giving his ghost tours, he always used to introduce himself as Haunted Harry, The Village Drunk, so we thought it would be quite a fitting name for the event.

"He was a wonderful man. He loved his family very much and everybody that he met enjoyed his company and fell in love with him."

Tom, 23, works as a shop assistant at Halfords, but also helps out his dad, Tony, and uncle, Leigh Crosby, with the family's company - The Haunted Walk Of York.

He said: ""About four years ago, granddad was given just two weeks to live when his organs started to pack up, but he battled on until this April, when he finally died at St Leonard's Hospice.

"The hospice made it as comfortable as possible for him and we are so grateful to all the staff - that's why we wanted to do this because we thought the best way to show our appreciation was to raise some money for the hospice."

Tom, who lives in Huntington, near York, said it was also the 25th anniversary year of his family's business, which was co-founded by his granddad and father.

Harry worked as a welder until he retired, but then joined his son as a tour guide for The Haunted Walk Of York. Each tour will last one-and-a-half hours and costs £4 for adults, £2 for children and £3 concessions. Tours start at 8pm outside York City Art Gallery in Exhibition Square, York.

For more information, phone 01904 621003.