A historic pub is being run by three generations of one family - with relatives all lending a hand to serve punters.

The Lord Nelson in Hythe dates back to the 17th century and has four bars and a large garden overlooking the Solent.

Located on High Street, its owners, Bobsy (Roberta) and Pat O'Hara, have been at the helm of the historic pub for 24 years.

Bobsy, 72, described her pub as a "real family-run business with our children and grandchildren all working here".

Currently, Bobsy and Pat's daughter Zoe helps run the pub, in addition to four of their grandchildren.

(Image: The Lord Nelson)

READ MORE: The Lord Nelson Pub in Hythe has pledged to paint the building red and white should Saints qualify for the Champions League

The pair were originally managing clubs in the area, until they saw the pub was for sale. Bobsy said: "We sunk our savings into the pub.

"I come from this area, so I knew the Lord Nelson was a cracking pub, and a lot of work later, it worked out for us.

"We just love it, it's a lovely old pub. We are custodians, it belongs to the town, it's a part of Hythe."

The pub is a focal point of the Hythe community, featuring quiz nights and darts, and hosting an annual cycle cruise, with all proceeds going to local charities.

(Image: The Lord Nelson)

They also provide facilities for private functions, including weddings, funerals, and private parties.

Bobsy added: "Our customers are of all ages.

"This is a real community pub hosting quiz nights, darts, and annual cycle cruises, raising money for local charities.

"We also cater for private functions, weddings, funerals, and private parties.

"We have Sky TV, TNT sports and live music, priding ourselves on our friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.

"Hythe is a very special place to live."

In 2015, the pub pledged to be painted red and white in support of Saints FC had the club qualified for the Champions League. 

READ MORE: Pub struggling to survive with no Hythe Ferry sailings

This would not have been the first football-related paint job the pub received. In 2012, the watering hole was painted red and white to support the Saints' promotion push under Nigel Adkins.

Most recently, the pub sported new colours to celebrate the Queen's jubilee.

The pub has experienced hard times with the cessation of the Hythe ferry, which customers would use to attend Saints FC matches after a pint.