A REPUTEDLY haunted pub played host to figures from the past over the Easter weekend.

Jesters, knights and maidens enjoyed a medieval banquet, complete with a pig on a spit roast, at the Ghost Train in Purton.

The Swindon Robins even left the speedway track to join in the feast.

Staff and customers dressed up in medieval costumes and drank homemade mead and tankards of beer.

New owners Carol and Andy Waters laid on an old-fashioned feast in-keeping with the surroundings of the pub, which they say is around 250 years old.

The ancient attire may have also helped make the resident ghosts feel more at home.

Andy, who was dressed as a knight, said: "It is the most haunted pub in Wiltshire as we have five ghosts.

"I've seen shadows and movements. Behind the bar we have an old gentleman who walks down towards the cellar. We have two ghosts in the kitchen and one in the restaurant."

Andy wants to book a visit from the Most Haunted television crew which makes programmes about spirits. He said the Swindon Paranormal Society has already been called in and confirmed "they felt something".

Andy and Carol took over the Ghost Train pub eight weeks ago and hope to keep its authenticity.

"The best ones to take over are old pubs with history," said Andy.

"We want to keep it that way with old traditional ales. We don't want to change it."

The couple want to stabilise the inn, which has been through management changes in the past.

Mr Waters said: "It is the beginning of the summer and we want to give the locals back their pub. The community in Purton has welcomed us to the village and we want to thank them."

The Ghost Train had a marquee and bouncy castle laid on by firm Regency Marquees and Great Western Castles.

Proceeds from the banquet are to be donated to Cancer Research and the Special Care Baby Unit at the Great Western Hospital.

Tanya Colsell, 34, of Purton, who attended the banquet, believes Carol and Andy will bring the old pub back to its former status.

"I think they will make a go of it - a lot of different people have managed it. But I think they will get the locals back in".

Tanya's friend Karen Melody, 34, of Swindon, said she enjoys the Ghost Train despite it being haunted.

"I feel frightened when I come in the evening, so I get someone to come with me.

"It is a good pub, though. I like it."