Psychic Mark Smith delved into the unknown in front of a packed crowd at the town's Castle Tavern pub.

The medium has been running regular sessions and landlord Jimmy Rice says his soothsaying has been a smash hit with drinkers.

"He can certainly bring the crowds in," Mr Rice told the Evening News. "I've got to be honest and say I'm not a believer myself but when you see Mark with the crowd it's obvious there's something going on. He seems to hit the mark really often. It's a Thursday night when most pubs in town are empty and look at us – we're packed out!"

Sherry Burchill, who lives in Bedford, was among the group waiting for a message from beyond the grave.

"I was really surprised when he picked me out," she said. "I don't go to this sort of thing very often. I've seen Derek Acorah but that's about it. I wasn't really expecting a message but a lot of what he told me was very convincing. Some of it didn't mean much, so I'm going to have to ask my parents about it. But a lot of it struck home. I'm not sure if I'm convinced – I'll have a better idea when I talk to mum and dad."

And Mark himself was so impressed with the turnout that he admitted he didn't see it coming!

"I'm really pleased that there are so many people here." he said. "It just shows the word is getting around. I hope I've been able to pass on something meaningful to a few people – it's not really about me, I'm just a channel for the spirits to do their work."