So far my assignments have had one thing in common I have had some control. But this assignment was different because I didn't know where I was or, more importantly, who I was ...

Undergoing past life regression (PLR) hypnosis was my Editor's suggestion and, although I was keen to give it a go, a small corner of my mind was sceptical.

Bromley-based hypnotist Chas Barr came to News Shopper's offices with both reputation and experience to tell me: "I had one guy recite a whole scene from the film Braveheart while under PLR. When he came round he was convinced he was William Wallace.

"Others have spoken languages which don't exist anymore. Anything can happen."

With that thought ringing through my head I was told to close my eyes and listen to Chas' voice. As he talked, I sensed my entire being relax.

During the relaxation stage Chas raised my arm. His voice commanded I let it drop slowly back to my side and it was here where I left the room and went somewhere else From what I am told, I was transported into a familiar bedroom where I was 10 years old. At first I was playing and then, all of a sudden, my "mum" appeared holding a baby my "brother" Peter.

I liked Peter because he was "fun" and my "mum's" name was Pamela my real mum's name.

Chas gave me an instruction to "go to another time in that life" and following a sharp pat on my thigh, I was there.

This time I was 15 and I was in a small boat with a five-year-old Peter and a man I identified as my "dad". We were fishing and I was very happy.

Then a strange thing happened: Chas told me to once again go to another time in that life and I was overcome with a great sadness.

I was 20 and staring at my "mum". Chas asked what was wrong, to which I replied: "Dad's gone."

It was the 1930s and for some reason, which I thought could have been related to the war, my father had left our lives.

My final recollection was a feeling of being happy but sad as I prepared for a party with Peter. And that was that, apart from one other thing: my name was Tim.

When I opened my eyes I had to ask myself: "Where am I?"

I remembered nothing until my Editor and Chas discussed what had happened.

Then I felt wave after wave of melancholy, a sadness for lost loved ones, and I wanted to see my own parents again just to make sure they were still there.

This assignment has left me with more questions than answers.

It was a little too creepy but at the same time I would do it again because PLR is the closest I have ever been to the paranormal and touching that unknown was a huge buzz.

Chris has power of thought

Chas Barr became hooked on hypnosis and PLR when, at the age of 10, he read Bloxham's More Lives Than One.

After travelling the world, Chas answered an advert offering lessons in stage hypnosis and he learned his trade under mind legend Jonathan Chase.

He furthered his knowledge by studying Neuro-Linguistic Programming the ability to modify people's bad habits under Paul McKenna and renowned doctors.

Now Chas offers a full range of complementary therapies as well as on-stage entertainment.

Visit chasbarr.com