As Halloween casts a spell over the country, it's time to wallow in the ghastly, the ghoulish and the gruesome.

For a country so rich in history and heritage it's no surprise that the British public is fascinated by stories of the macabre, which is why Halloween has always held a special place in the nation's heart. After all Great Britain is the most haunted country in the world, with an estimated 5 ghosts for every mile. So there's a good chance you could be sharing your bedroom with a phantom or spectre.

We all know what happens at Halloween, pumpkin sales go through the roof and cheeky kids get dressed up as spooks, witches, werewolves and and terrify the neighbourhood.

But why does this festival exist? What are its origins and why do people revel in tales of the undead, the unexplained and paranormal? Britain.tv brings you the lowdown on the hair-raising, bloodcurdling, toe-tingling terror that is Halloween.