RESIDENTS have been left spooked after reported sightings of a ghost in Baxenden.

The weird goings-on have left Alice Heaton curious to find out more about her home, Beehive Cottage, on Manch-ester Road.

Alice, who has lived in the village for the past eight years, hasn't seen the spectre of a young woman herself but says other people have.

She said: "People have said they have felt a presence in my upstairs bathroom and in the basement which was supposed to be a blacksmith's.

"I haven't seen anything but there have been a few sightings."

Her neighbour Kate Taylor, who lives in what used to be the Beehive pub next door, said: "I've heard loud bangs and knocking sounds.

"It would be interesting to find out more about what's happening."

Alice, who lived in Wales for 30 years, said: "There have been lots of stories about my cottage being an old coach house where people used to stay when visiting the pub.

"It was also meant to be a toll house when people travelled through the area."

She has trawled through the local archives at Accrington Library but has so far drawn a blank.

She said: "I can't find any information on the old cottages. But they were apparently built in the 1860s.

"My friends are looking on the Internet to see if they can find out more."

If you have any information about the old cottages, or have seen the Baxenden ghost yourself, then contact the Observer newsdesk on 871444.