THIS week marks the 60th anniversary of a supernatural event that hit the headlines back in 1959.

Thanks to Looking Back regular Geoff Pritchard, who has researched the following.

A courting couple were reported to have seen a ghostly figure on Weymouth Golf Links, as the dusk settled one Friday evening. The following day, the girl's cousin had revisited the spot in an attempt to see the ghost, but to no avail.

On the evening of Monday, August 24, 1959, a ghost hunt was arranged. More than 500 residents showed up to get a sight of the ghost, from practical jokers and mothers with babies in prams to dedicated ghost hunters, adorned with torches, searchlights and whistles. A group of youths draped in white sheets made ghost-like noises while others on motorbikes were pursued by a police car, all adding to the raucous atmosphere.

Geoff recalls the night with clarity: "I remember that day, as my father gave a lift home to one of his colleagues who lived in Westham. I was travelling with them and at the age of 11, suggested we might join the hunt. This was not received with any enthusiasm - my father was just astonished at the traffic congestion!"

The supernatural figure, who became known as Gertie the Golf Links Ghost, never made an appearance. The couple who reported the matter were embarrassed to have caused such a fuss, and were reported saying they wish they had kept the sighting to themselves.

With thanks to Geoffrey Pritchard for sharing these spooky memories.