VODKA, brandy and whisky aren't the only spirits at one Pontypool pub where so called ghosts have sent everyone from barmaids to builders running scared.

The souls of a little girl named Emily and a small boy in Victorian dress are said to be regular visitors to The Hanbury Arms, according to staff who don't like being in the building alone.

A man believed to a former executioner at the 1830s building where criminals were once hanged, is also said to be a frequent punter and staff believe they have captured evidence of their existence on videos, which show so called "orbs" of light darting about the bar.

Glasses have spontaneously smashed, lights have been switched on when no-one is in the room and even a barrel of cider was split open in the locked and empty cellar.

Even workmen refurbishing the building upstairs have downed tools claiming they have felt a bitterly cold presence whilst working, accompanied by an unexplained feeling of dread.

Manager Rhian Phillips claims to have heard whispers coming from the empty cellar and refuses to enter certain parts of the pub alone, while other staff have reported a strong smell of garlic in specific spots.

Since owner Sean O'Connor took over the pub last December three paranormal experts have visited and all have been convinced of the spirits presence.

But Mr O'Connor and his business partner Mark Baker, both 47, are not fazed and have instead taken a keen interest in finding out more.

Mr Baker has even ordered electrical magnetic field detectors, motion sensors and voice recorders from America in a bid to gather evidence.

He said: "It does not worry me, I just laugh at it, but it's not funny when it costs us money like when we lost 88 pints of Strongbow when the barrel was split."

Mr O'Connor added: "The experiences we have had have been so profound and tangible that you've got option but to believe it."

Do you know of any other haunted places in Gwent? Let us know by calling Natalie Crockett 01633 777246