GHOSTBUSTING parents hope a hair-raising stunt will set them on the road to providing a play centre for disabled children in Newport.

Members of Parents For Change are daring to spend a supernatural night at the Skirrid Mountain Inn, at Llanfihangel Crucorney, reputedly one of Wales' most haunted pubs, to begin raising funds towards the enterprise. The group formed last year, wanting to fill what members believe is a gap in play provision in the city for youngsters with physical and/or mental disabilities.

"We need to start raising money to support what we want to do, and this is a wacky way to get things going," said Parents For Change secretary Lisa Collins, from St Julian's.

Next Tuesday group members will test their bravery and scepticism at a venue leaving no room for the faint-hearted.

More than 850 years old, the Skirrid Mountain Inn boasts a bloody history, most notoriously as courtroom and place of execution in 1685 for almost 200 unfortunates sentenced to death by the fearsome Judge Jefferies following the Duke of Monmouth's abortive rebellion.

Among its dubious attractions is a cell where prisoners spent their last night, while the slab on which the bodies were placed can still be seen. "People obviously don't mind being scared, because we've had a great response, we could have filled the places over again," said Mrs Collins. "The inn has an incredible history and when it gets dark and quiet we're hoping to feel the atmosphere."

Parents For Change is inspired by Port Talbot parents, who developed their SNAC (Special Needs Activity Club) facility over several years through their own hard work and support from business, council and National Lottery.

"The children we have taken there have loved it, but there's nothing even approaching it over here," said Mrs Collins, whose eight-year-old son, Toby, has Asperger's syndrome.

Parents For Change may be contacted on 07742 928417, e-mail parentsforchange@hotmail.co.uk