A centuries-old pub has been named one of Britain's most haunted.

The White Horse, in Dover, is said to have its own resident ghost called George, who has been witnessed by staff and locals.

Its owners, Ei Publican Partnerships, selected the St James Street business from more than 4,600 buildings in the UK.

The original building dates back as far as 1365 and was first built as a dwelling for the neighbouring St James' Church, now an historic ruin.

Its was named the White Horse in 1818, having previously been called The City Edinburgh, after an American ship that sank in the Dover Strait.

Its ghostly reputation comes as a result of the pub’s cellar being used as a makeshift mortuary during the 19th Century.

The White Horse was said to have the coldest cellar in Dover and was used to store dead bodies during the summer months.

George is thought to have been one of those.

Local legend suggests he is the spirit of a mariner who died at sea and his body was kept in the pub until its burial.

Publican, Stuart Fox, lives upstairs in the Grade II listed building and has had many spooky encounters since taking ownership in September 2016.

He said: “The old landlords warned us about the pub being haunted and in the first week we’d heard footsteps, doors slamming, and photo frames fell off the wall.

"One of our regular customers spotted George and was reluctant to return for a while as he was so spooked.

“The scariest moment since we first moved in was when we were in bed and our old king size mattress was leaning against the wall on the other side of the room, then suddenly it landed on top of us.

" It didn’t scare us though. We actually talk to the spirits and say goodnight every night,.

"I think they’re used to us being here now. We cohabitate with them and try not to aggravate them.”

Mr Fox also said that paranormal activity heightens in May and that many times there have been orbs spotted on CCTV.

Nick Light, managing director for Ei Publican Partnerships, said: “As Halloween approaches we decided to delve a little deeper into the history of some of our pubs and identify the most haunted.

" The history that surrounds some of these buildings is fascinating and it wasn’t long until we discovered spooky stories about the likes of George.”

Mr Fox added: “We would definitely welcome anyone that enjoys a spooky encounter to come and visit the pub for themselves.

"There is an atmosphere that many people pick up on and we have plenty more stories for people that wish to know more.”