Both of us agree that it is important Tom stays here where he belongs

Ray Ronson

But they gradually grew fond of the ghost and gave him a name.

Mr Ronson wants to ensure that no attempts will be made to try to exorcise their ghost.

He intends to insert a clause into the purchase contract for the �38,000 two-bedroomed house to stop Tom from being banished from the property.

"We noticed the presence just after we moved in and started to decorate," said Mr Ronson.

"Things would go missing and then turn up in unusual places and there were areas of the house that were very cold.

'Pretty unusual'

"I also saw something in the bedroom. We did call a priest in who talked to the ghost and after that things settled down.

"We have grown quite fond of him. But we want to move to a bigger house and both of us agree that it is important Tom stays here where he belongs."

Hugh Dunsmore-Hardy, of the National Association of Estate Agents, said: "It is a pretty unusual request.

"In the end it comes down to whether you believe in the supernatural or not."