A tourist trap that's sheer torture; DINGY DEPTHS: Our reporter on the newest attraction at Warwick Castle.

Byline: Marion ' Macabre' McMullen

THE torturer glares at me cowering in the shadows and growls menacingly: "You ... into the cage." It's a moment when there's no time for hesitation and I know exactly what to do - I shove my unsuspecting colleague Ann Evans into the metal trap in my place.

It's a tense moment, but I have managed to escape a painful session with the new master torturer at Warwick Castle.

He is making himself at home in Warwickshire alongside executioners, killers, hanging judges and assorted pus-ridden plague victims.

They are all part of Warwick Castle terrifying new attraction, The Castle Dungeon.

The spine-chilling experience has cost pounds 800,000 to create and is the latest addition to the dastardly Dungeons family that began when the London Dungeon opened its doors over 34 years ago.

It recreates some of the darkest chapters in Warwick Castle's history, from the terrors of the torture chamber to the foul pestilence of the plague.

Horrors contained within its walls include a gruesomely realistic live autopsy show, a rat-infested plague pit and the "labyrinth of lost souls"

mirror maze. I'm among the first timid visitors to venture into the dungeons and my name-tag proclaims I am "Marion Macabre McMullen." "Have a putrid time," wishes one of the plague victims cheerfully as I venture down the stone steps.

There are sinister characters lurking within the dingy depths from a mediaeval plague doctor, chanting monks and the brutal executioner.

Screams fill the air and it's hard not to jump when a cloaked figure suddenly pops up in front of you.

Stunning, atmospheric surroundings, live actors and top of the range special effects combine to create a multi sensory experience designed to bring history to life in a vivid, captivating and engaging way.

Sue Kemp, general manager of Warwick Castle said: "There really is nothing else like this in the Midlands, so we are thrilled to be able to add another string to the region's tourism bow.

"Already, we are receiving phenomenal feedback following our initial preview weekend." If you are brave enough to venture into the bowels of Warwick Castle then the Castle Dungeon opens to the public from tomorrow.

Tickets on 0870 442 2371..

CAPTION(S):

CHILLS ... Marion McMullen (right) and Ann Evans avoid the chop at The Castle Dungeon (top), two plague victims (centre) and a live autopsy on a plague victim (bottom) SCARY ... The torturer at The Castle Dungeon