Explore haunted Keighley street beneath the town centre

Guided tours are showcasing a once-bustling labyrinth of old shops and other premises below the town's Royal Arcade.

The street had remained concealed for years, but was uncovered during renovation work at the arcade in the early 2000s.

The saddlery, where the presence of ghost Billy has been felt

"Until the renovations and clearance of the basement area began no one knew about this underground world," said Andrew Pearson, who led the latest tour just before Christmas.

"It was four or five feet deep in muck and rubble."

Once the cellars were partially cleared, the true extent of the lower level of shops became apparent.

In the maze of once-bustling premises beneath ground

Some premises still had their glass windows intact, together with front doors, letterboxes and door numbers.

A number of enamel advertising signs were found indicating that the shops were used from an early date, until around the late 19th century.

"This is part of our heritage and it is important to protect it and keep it alive," says Andrew.

Old stairs in one of the rooms

"So much of our heritage these days is being lost."

The Royal Arcade had closed in the 1980s after several years of decline and remained largely derelict until the renovations began.

It is now home to 17 traders, all independents, with living accommodation above – and is family owned.

Manager Alistair Cooper says: "We have the underground tours quite regularly when there are events on.

Alistair Cooper

"They took place on Halloween and to coincide with our Christmas market, and were very popular."

Features below ground include an old overlooker's room, a wash room complete with original basins and a working flue, a spivs' room, a saddlery, delicatessen, office, an early charity shop for the needy, and even a brothel.

The old wash room

And whilst there haven't been earthly inhabitants for many years, spirits are said to occupy the subterranean maze – a popular site with paranormal investigators

'Occupants' include Billy, who worked in the saddlery and died at the site after falling down stairs.

"He was a drunk and unpopular," says Andrew. "On one tour he 'attacked' an elderly lady. The paranormal people get a lot from him. He likes to mess with the ladies!"

Meanwhile in the old brothel, it's men who are targeted.

The labyrinth of old shops

"The women in there like to 'play' with male visitors," said Andrew. "Men have been touched and scratched."

For more about the Royal Arcade and details of upcoming events, visit facebook.com/theroyalarcade.