The University of Hertfordshire has recreated England's most haunted house in virtual reality for Halloween.

University of Hertfordshire researchers have brought back Borley Rectory in Essex, described as "the most haunted house in England," using cutting-edge VR technology.

Borley Rectory, built in 1862, was notorious for paranormal activity, with people claiming to witness a phantom coach driven by two headless horsemen and unexplained footsteps.

The rectory, which was also known for alleged ghostly nuns, eerie voices, and chilling apparitions, was a focus for paranormal investigator Harry Price in the 1930s.

It burned down in 1939, but its mysterious aura has now been revived using modern technology.

Professor of psychology Richard Wiseman, the lead researcher, said: "The Rectory was something truly special.

"I’ve previously studied several alleged haunted locations, including Hampton Court Palace and Edinburgh Castle, and am fascinated by the psychological factors that trigger fear and ghostly experiences.

"Now, we’re thrilled to bring the Rectory back to life and see if people have weird experiences in this extraordinary virtual reality environment.

"Now we can step back in time and visit England’s most haunted house."

With the help of university technician Alex Eckford and paranormal expert Paul Adams, the team has built a precise model of the house’s famous "Blue Room," the alleged centre of its paranormal activity.

This was achieved using rare photographs, floor plans, and Harry Price’s detailed notes.

The researchers can add virtual ghosts and simulate other strange happenings as part of their study into the psychology of fear and paranormal experiences.

The VR Blue Room is built in a real room, allowing participants to see and feel the haunted space, including touching the walls, sitting in chairs, and immersing themselves in this historical space.

It offers a full sensory experience, unlike a typical VR setting.

Brave participants are now being invited to enter the Blue Room and face the unknown as the University of Hertfordshire team continues their research.

For residents brave enough to participate in the study or have memories or information about Borley Rectory, contact Mr Wiseman at r.wiseman@herts.ac.uk.