The figure of a soldier was seen running away from Scotch Common in Sandbach in the mist of the early morning.

A dark shadow appeared and other soldiers were seen in the distance by an early morning dog walker today (1 April ) in what is believed to be an echo from the past.

A tunnel leading from Sandbach's Old Hall to the nearby St Mary's Church is thought to be where the figure was escaping from.

"I just couldn't believe it. This figure appeared out of nowhere as I was walking though the churchyard across to the High Street," said the dog walker.

"It's weird - it just disappeared into thin air but I definitely saw what I believe was a soldier.

"I've read about the battle on Scotch Common so I wonder if it was a ghost," the dog walker said.

Sandbach's Scotch Common, where there's a free car park, is named after an event in 1651 when around 1,000 exhausted Scottish cavalry passed through the town while retreating after their defeat at the Battle of Worcester.

A fierce clash broke out between the soldiers and local townsfolk, lasting several hours. Reports say nine or ten Scots were killed, several locals were injured, and around 100 prisoners were taken.

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Maybe we can drop the act now - happy April Fool's! Yes, we're just kidding. The ghostly figure wasn't seen although there was a fierce clash all those years ago which is why it's called Scotch Common!

Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoyed our jolly jape.