The Village Bells in Eling will close its doors for the final time this weekend

But now The Village Bells in Eling will close its doors for the final time this weekend ahead of its transformation into a house.

Regular customers who enjoyed the pub's classic ales and traditional pub grub have been left devastated.

The pub was put up for sale three years ago because it was no longer making enough money for owner Merlin Inns and last year plans went through for it to be used for alternative use.

Contracts are due to be signed next week.

The Village Bells is the latest Hampshire pub to close. Many have been converted into shops or homes.

Licensee Teresa Ashley, pictured below, has been running the watering hole for four years, having previously worked in other pubs across the county.

She said: “It's really sad that this pub won't be here anymore. I will miss it badly but I think it's most heartbreaking for the regulars.

“This pub has such a nice atmosphere. It's like walking into your living room, it's really cosy and everyone is always happy to be here. I love the way it feels with all the village bells lining the wooden beams and the comfy seating areas. It's been a real home to a lot of people over the years.”

Merlin Inns owner Tony Matthews said, with The King Rufus pub directly opposite, The Village Bells was no longer profitable.

He said: “I really love The Village Bells. If I lived in the village I would go to it regularly but unfortunately in this day and age and with two pubs in the village it just wasn't profitable anymore.

“It was up for sale for three years and we really wanted to sell it as a pub but it was very difficult to get any bids so then we decided to change it. It's a real pity.”

Teresa added: “It was really sad when we found out that it would be turned into a house, but I think it's very typical of the times, there aren't many village pubs that survive these days."

The 62-year-old will now be moving to Marchwood will her husband Andy and their pub dog Roxie, a seven-year-old Jack Russell.

“I'm going to take this as a sort of retirement time, spend time with my two daughters and then see how I feel.

"Before I took on the Bells I had been working at the Crow's Nest in Southampton and swore I wouldn't carry on but then when I saw this lovely, cosy pub I was too tempted.

“It's been great to be a part of the community here and we will be going out with an emotional bang and to everyone that's loved the pub, thank you it's been wonderful.”

The last day of service will be on Saturday, March 21 from midday.