IT'S two weeks after Hallowe'en, and for most people, the costumes have been packed away and fears of overactive spirits have been forgotten for another year.

But for one group of people, it is Hallowe'en all year round, with witchcraft playing an important part of their lives.

One such 'witch' is Lea resident Winifred Tillotson, who, although quick to dispel the myths and legends surrounding the ancient art, claims the power of thought - the true witch's tool - can have just as much bearing on modern day life as it ever did in the past.

Winifred said: "We don't cast spells, we don't fly on broomsticks and we don't wear pointed hats. However, witchcraft and witches aren't a myth. I tell people I am a witch.

"We use the power of thought. If I think about people for long enough, things happen to them. When someone I knew was sick, I concentrated on them and they got better.

"On the other hand, if someone does something bad to me, I think about them and they know about it!"

Like many others, Winifred spends a lot of time reading about witchcraft and her house contains many witch-related objects - but no cauldron!

Winifred and her fellow believers go up Pendle Hill on Hallowe'en to keep the tradition alive.

She said: "It is only the older ones among us who go up there now, and this year there were fewer than ever. Unfortunately there are a lot of misconceptions about witches. I consider myself to be a good witch. If you are superstitious, it is possible to be a witch because you can believe. It is all about believing in the power of the mind."

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