X-Files investigated the supernatural

The mini-series, shown on Channel 4 in 1990, was voted the scariest by readers of the Radio Times.

In second place was The X-Files, starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny as special agents.

Also included in the top 10 was BBC spoof documentary Ghostwatch, Tales of the Unexpected and Sapphire and Steel.

A Radio Times spokesman said: "Stephen King books are spooky, not to say terrifying, but TV versions of them have generally been pitiful.

1. It 2. The X-Files 3. Ghostwatch 4. Tales of the Unexpected 5. Sapphire and Steel Source: Radio Times poll

"So it was a shock to settle down to watch this one and actually be terrified of a happy, grinning clown."

Surreal US mystery drama Twin Peaks, set in a seemingly sleepy American town, was voted on to the list at number six.

The most modern shows to be included are British cult comedy The League of Gentleman and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.