Heavy rockers who use a converted nunnery as a studio are being spooked by the eerie sound of hymn-singing.

Whenever Cobra crank up the decibels, they hear ghostly female voices.

Members of the four-strong band reckon the spirits of the nuns are trying to overwhelm what they think is the Devil's music.

Guitarist The Axe - real name Clive Rogers, 44 - said: "There is nothing nasty or unpleasant about our music. It's just no-nonsense new classic rock.

"But every time we crank up the volume and really get things moving, we can hear these female voices singing hymns.

"It's really eerie but only happens when we are belting out something loud and proud."

Chapel Studios in Belmore Road, Eastbourne, was converted into a studio from a garage three months ago.

However, the sizeable brick building used to be a nunnery at the turn of the 20th Century, with a cobbled yard where horses were tethered.

Many other rock bands play at the studio but the choristers only seem to surface when Cobra belt out their brand of rock, a cross between Led Zeppelin and Metallica.

Studio owner and band member Vince Von Bastrum, 38, said: "It's very bizarre.

"It's a high-pitched sound which can be heard over the band, no matter how loud they play.

"I have heard it myself and the funny thing is it doesn't happen with my other clients working with more relaxed music.

"It's just Cobra's rock that seems to set it off."

Vince, whose real surname is Webb, plans to move into a flat above the studio, despite the reluctance of his girlfriend.

He said: "She says 'I'm not going near that place if it's haunted'.

"To be honest it doesn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I think it gives the place a bit more of an attraction."