It claims to be the most haunted city in the UK – and it is pub workers who seem to be having the most ghostly encounters.

Brighton and Hove is home to many spooky taverns and buildings, particularly in The Lanes.

So it is hardly surprising that actor and entertainer Rob Marks, who started running his Ghost Walk of The Lanes ten years ago, chose it as his setting.

The Cricketers pub in Black Lion Street opened in 1547. It was a favourite haunt of novelist Graham Greene, who wrote Brighton Rock.

But it was some time before this that Jack the Ripper suspect Robert Donston Stephenson lived at the pub.

These days, an apparition thought to be him is said to appear upstairs – but only to women.

Mr Marks said: “The landlord’s wife does not like to go in one or two of the rooms upstairs.

“There have been several accounts of feeling watched and seeing two staring eyes.”

The Druids Head pub in Brighton Place is another 16th century inn.

Not only was a stone circle found on the ground it was built on, but there is also an 18th century smuggling tunnel that goes from its cellars to the sea.

One smuggler reportedly met his end in the tunnel, which may provide the explanation for poltergeist activity in the pub.

Members of staff have seen glasses moving of their own volition and in some cases flying off the shelves.

In nearby Meeting House Lane, many people have reported seeing a dejected toddler near to where a toy shop called Bears and Friends once stood.

The most recent sighting of the two-year-old boy, said Mr Marks, was by a local man some six weeks ago.

The boy was sitting on the step, only to disappear a second later when the man did a double take.

Mr Marks said: “Doing this ghost walk, I find people start sharing their stories with me. Often, there is a logical explanation. But there is still that grey area, so I keep an open mind.

“I have seen a photo taken down Ship Street Gardens, and there is a ghostly figure which turned up in the background.”

Mr Marks, who goes by Ebeneezer and wears a long black cape and top hat for his walks, said his tour encapsulates the spirit of Brighton.

He said: “People love a ghost story, that is why so many books and films focus on them.”