An independent hotel run by three generations of the same family has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Packfords Hotel, in Woodford Green, was opened by Harry and Margaret Packford when they converted their Snakes Lane West home in the early 1960s, and has stayed in the same family ever since.

The Packfords celebrated with an afternoon tea party with staff past and present last month, but are also planning further events for later this year.

"We're very pleased - it does feel like an enormous sense of achievement that we've kept the hotel going for so long and in the same family", said general manager Sarah Packford.

At 29, she is the youngest generation of the family working at the hotel.

She said: "I think they key to our success is our loyal staff and our attention to detail.

"I think the guests really like the personal touch and how we tailor their stay to their needs, in contrast to the big chain hotels."

The nine-room hotel, which also has two function rooms, had an early boost to its reputation when it was used by local MP Winston Churchill.

When he wasn't running the hotel, Harry Packford worked as the former prime minister's campaign manager and he would use the building for meetings.

After two successful decades Harry and Margaret's son Simon took over in the late 1970s, with his wife Debra continuing when he passed away in 1999.

Today Mrs Packford, 57, is still in charge alongside daughter Sarah.

But it is not just the same family which has provided continuity to the hotel.

Sarah added: "Our breakfast chef Val Strutt has been here for about 30 years, and our maintenance man took over the job from his father. 

"I think that experience has made a difference and helped create the family atmosphere.

"I'm not sure what the future will bring but we're very happy at what we've achieved".