A LONGTIME feature of Yarmouth's social scene, Salty's, has been sold to a West Wight philanthropist.

The bar and restaurant, which has been in the Green family for more than 25 years and played host to Princes William and Harry, has been bought by Ed Panek.

Ed has been a resident in the West Wight for nearly two decades and is recently retired from a financial services career in London.

Along with his family, he has purchased the business as a local long-term investment.

He said: "Salty's is an institution. What started as a sail loft, became a fish shop, and is now one of the most successful businesses in Yarmouth and the South Coast.

"It has been attracting local residents and visiting families for over 25 years. We like it so much, we decided to buy it.

"It is a great opportunity to invest in the local community, local people, and our beloved Yarmouth."

Salty's was originally a garage which was part of The George Hotel, next door.

Peter Green bought the property from former George owner David Clarke.

Originally, it was a wet fish shop downstairs with restaurant upstairs but was later converted into a two-storey bar and restaurant.

Celebrities, including Jim Davidson and Chris Evans, are regular visitors, and Princes William and Harry visited as part of a stag weekend for their cousin Peter Phillips.

The Paneks will be donating a percentage of Salty's annual profits to charities specifically targeted in and around Yarmouth.

They are teaming up with United Way, the largest privately funded charity in the world, who 'give local'.

Nicky Green, Peter's daughter, who has been restaurant manager for more than a decade, will continue to work there for the foreseeable future.