Ghostly goings on are causing a stir at a Sussex pub.

Nigel Bolton and Gemma Chierighini have spent tens of thousands of pounds buying the Royal Oak at Jacob's Post, Ditchling Common.

It was the scene of a grisly double murder in 1734 which still stirs the “morbid curiosity” of passing trade.

A pedlar called Jacob Harris attacked the landlord and murdered his wife and a serving maid in his attempt to rob the pub.

He was caught and hanged for the murder with his body left to hang outside the pub as a warning to others.

Mr Bolton, 44, and Miss Chierighini, 24, say the pub’s history is a real draw for punters.

Mr Bolton said: “Allegedly it is haunted in the cellar and the men's toilets although we've seen nothing yet.”

The couple are considering running a ghost evening and have already had offers from ghost hunters.