Clairvoyant Polly Stephenson claims she has embodied the spirit of a former landlord which haunts the Victoria pub, on Dock Street.

Eric Pollitt, director of Brewberry Inns Ltd, which owns the pub's lease, enlisted the clairvoyant's help after members of staff saw a mysterious figure.

He said: "Members of staff said there were funny things going on. It's all very weird. I was very sceptical but we've had mediums come in and they've had sensations and had contact with people from the past.

"Staff have seen what we think is a former landlord so we're just going through all the records we have since the pub opened in 1836 to find out who it is."

Flapping

Barman Chris Boehme said: "Strange things have happened with the door which goes into the back room. The handle just starts flapping up and down on its own.

"There's been a lot of banging when no-one is around and glimpses of a ghost. We think it's a former landlord called George. It's all a bit weird."

Ms Stephenson was called in to hold a mediation session in the back room of the pub.

And said she was amazed by the "presence" felt by herself and members of her psychic club.

Ms Stephenson, who has practised as a clairvoyant for more than 20 years, described sensing "activity" near an original fireplace before a ghost – a male wearing an old, traditional white shirt – appeared.

She said while some people see ghosts through a "third eye", she felt the presence of the Old Vic ghost inside her.

Ms Stephenson added: "It's as if you are being changed into that person. I felt really large and masculine and my voice got deeper. It was spooky. It wasn't scary but it put you on edge.

"A horse and old barrels appeared in the room too. We asked the spirits to give us evidence and all the candles in the room started blowing around. And we could hear a tapping noise.

"It wasn't causing any problems, but we could all feel activity. It was making your hair stand up on the back of your head."

Ms Stephenson said: "We can all tap into it, once you start working you'll be amazed by the results."

n If anyone has any information about former landlords at the Victoria contact Mr Pollitt on (01253) 777940.