MANY have sunk their teeth into the work of Bram Stoker since he unleashed the tale of Dracula in the late 1800s.

But it can now be revealed that Warrington possesses a unique link to the renowned horror stories that have captured the imagination of readers in all corners of the globe.

Dracula scholar Andy Struthers, from Latchford, who has been involved with a number of research projects into the book's historic origins and its journey to global success, believes Warrington should be proud of this revelation.

The 48-year-old, who has been fascinated with the character since he watched In Search of Dracula, aged six, said: "Our part in the story started after Bram Stoker's death.

"Stoker's widow Florence wanted to increase the income that she received from various versions of the play already in production.

"Her best way to do this was to have the novel adapted for herself so as not to share the royalties.

“As per Florence's wishes, the play was re-written by Charles Morrell using many paragraphs from the novel.

"This version of the play was presented by Harry Warburton at the Royal Court Theatre, Warrington in September 1927 and was not shown anywhere else."

Andy, who works at Norbert Dentressangle, said he was excited to discover this interesting connection between the book, which has been read Countless times, and the town of Warrington.

He added: "This was the only time that a fully authorised and Stoker owned version of Dracula was ever presented anywhere.

"Even Whitby cannot boast this very special link to the grandfather of all horror stories. It is interesting to note that some of the lines of dialogue from this particular production actually made it into the 1931 film version which starred the legendary Bela Lugosi as the Count."

Warrington Museum and Art Gallery’s Janice Hayes added: "As far back as the 1920s Warrington was showcasing unique and innovative theatre - a tradition that we still hold to in 2014.”

To find out more e-mail Andy via andynighthawkstruthers@gmail.com.