IT may have seemed a good idea at the time for a drunken reveller to take home a souvenir from a Northwich night out.

But it seems that they will be certainly regretting their actions now.

That is because the cannon knick-knack that they pinched from The Salty Dog is in fact haunted.

And if the person who stole it does not return it soon, they will have to go through the horrors of being haunted by Headless One-Legged Burt - Ghost of the Cannon.

This is according to a post on The Salty Dog’s Facebook page as part of a passionate appeal for the cannon’s return.

“Someone has nicked our cannon,” the post reads.

“It was the one we used to prop open the door and had great sentimental attachment as it stopped us getting sweaty.

“If you are the one that stole it, you should probably know that it is HAUNTED.

“You will be visited by some nasty apparitions and it'll serve you right for being a sneaky tea leaf.

“We would like it back and we are fully aware people make questionable decisions when they've had a beer, so no hard feelings.

“But keeping it once you sober up is a classless move and Headless One-Legged Burt - The Ghost of the Cannon - is gonna get ya!”

The post also ends with #CannonGate.

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Customers have since praised the pub for its light-hearted appeal as well as sending best wishes that the doorstop is returned.

One commented: “For the love of God please bring this back,” while other users sent ‘thoughts and prayers’ during this difficult time.

What is for sure is that if the cannon is not returned soon, it will not just be the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future making an appearance at this time of year.