LYME REGIS: THE SHIP Inn is welcoming a new pair of landlords to take the helm of the pub.

Keeping it in the family, former landlord Dave Henson has handed the reigns over to brother Alan Henson and his wife Virginia after 20 years at the Coombe Street pub.

The news is a sea-change for Londoners Alan and Virginia, who have left behind their respective jobs as a self-employed roofer and PA to a top civil servant .

The couple got married in Lyme Regis just before Christmas and said how much they've already enjoyed taking on the running of The Ship, which is their first pub.

“It’s been quite a change for us, really, and a good change,” Mr Henson said.

“We’re very happy.”

Mrs Henson said: “We’ve always loved Lyme Regis and I did harbour a dream that one day we’d end up living down here. Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves, because we think, 'are we really here?'”

The pub will be getting a facelift too, as the newlyweds said they are looking forward to getting the building repainted and improving its small garden.

Mr Henson said they have even scored top marks in a surprise first-inspection by Cask Marque, adding: “We’re getting a reputation for having a real nice pint and that’s the way I want to keep it.

"I clean the lines after every single barrel and before a new barrel goes on, I always try a little bit to make sure it goes out lovely to the punters.”

Some things will stay the same though - there are no plans to introduce food beyond snacks; nor will the clocks change.

Mrs Henson explained: “They’re all half an hour fast. Dave called it London time, because he reckoned that London time is half an hour ahead of Lyme Regis time. It’s a running joke.”

“All the locals know,” Mr Henson added.

“If we were to put the clocks right it would really confuse them, I can assure you.”

Mrs Henson continued: “Everyone’s been so nice and that’s how we want things to be. Good, friendly and fun.”