GHOSTLY goings on at a Knutsford coffee house have left its staff feeling rather spooked.

Andy Pitt is a chef at the Courtyard Coffee House, set behind King Street in a 17th century courtyard, and is often spooked by the sound of footsteps – despite being the only person in the building.

However, town historian John Howard gave Andy a fright when he revealed a former owner of the building was found hanged at the site.

“Over the past year I’ve heard sounds of footsteps and movement from upstairs and on the stairs when I’m alone in the building,” explained Andy.

“I come in very early to do the baking and it can be very spooky. Everybody ribs me about it.

“Then a regular customer – John Howard an author and historian – told me that Fred Lees had hung himself from the old horse manger over 100 years ago.

“The manger is still attached to the wall in the courtyard!”

The iron manger is fixed on the outside wall at a point exactly corresponding to the start of the stairs and Andy was so spooked he requested a day off on October 31.

“It’s bad enough normally,” he added.

“So I daren’t even think about it on Halloween!”

Manager Keith Halsall said chef Andy was not the first to be given a fright.

“A few people have said that they have heard someone moving around upstairs,” said Keith.

“But we don’t really have an upstairs.

“Andy is in before everyone else so he has been a bit spooked, but none of the customers have heard it as it only seems to be when the place is pretty much empty.”

Waitress Wendy Scott added: “I’ve worked here for years and have never spoken about the footsteps on the stairs, I’ve often heard them when there’s no-one around – but I didn’t say anything until Andy said he’d heard them too – it’s very spooky and cold upstairs and I hate going up there alone.”

The Courtyard Coffeee House provides homemade breakfasts, lunches and teas.

The eccentric cafe houses a collection of over 30 antique Penny Farthings, and has a garden gauge train that circles the room at five minute intervals.