CHARGES of witchcraft have been levelled again in the shadow of Pendle Hill — months before the 400th anniversary of the infamous witch trials.

The 'courtroom' was Barley Village Hall, while the 'judge' and the 'accused' were performers from a soon-to-open attraction in Blackpool.

The newly-assembled cast from Blackpoool Tower Dungeon enjoyed a team outing to the scene of one of Lancashire history’s darkest chapters.

Before launching into rehearsals, the motley crew were given a brief reminder of the grim events of 1612 by colourful local historian Simon Entwistle.

Eleven people were accused of witchcraft with 10 being found guilty and subsequently hanged.

Kieron Smith, dungeon performance director, said: “I thought it would be great team-building exercise and really help them get into character.

“We nipped up the road so that Simon could regale our actors and actresses, all in full costume in the shadow of Pendle Hill itself.”

Aspiring thespians from across the North West answered an open casting call for the new dungeon.

The successful candidates include Blackburn actor Bruce Jackson, who at 26, already has 46 different roles in 40 different productions under his belt, and radio presenter Ellie Jane Murphy from Chorley.

Visitors to the Tower Dungeon will find themselves facing trial before being escorted to the gallows – a nerve-shredding drop ride called Extremis.

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon opens on September 1