A historic pub that has been empty for six years is set to be turned into flats and a restaurant or cafe.

The Duke's Head, in Dymchurch Road, Hythe, was finally sold this week to investors who have ambitious plans for the site.

The ground floor of the Grade II-listed pub, which dates back to 1795, must be used for commercial purposes.

The new owners - property developers Link ID - are understood to be keen to turn the downstairs into a restaurant.

Meanwhile, the first floor will be converted into three flats, while two new houses will be built overlooking Hythe Green.

There are also plans to demolish the existing garage block at the site in order to provide parking for the new residents.

Planning permission has already been given for the changes to be made.

The pub was originally put up for sale for £1 million in 2018, but due to a lack of interest the price dropped to £825,000.

After years of failed attempts to find a buyer, on Tuesday it was snapped up by Link ID.

Michelle Ferbrache, The Good Estate Agent franchise owner for Hythe, was delighted to get the deal over the line, having only taken on the site in May.

"I feel completely chuffed that as a local estate agent I have been able to secure the sale after so many years," she told KentOnline.

"We have been lucky to work with a great investor development company Link ID.

"I feel really pleased for the Hythe residents that this is finally done. It gives me great pleasure to be able to do this for the seller, the buyer, and the locals."

The pub occupies a prominent site near the canal and residents have become frustrated at the sight of it being left unused for so long.

"I think Hythe residents will be really happy," Miss Ferbrache said.

"I’m hoping for an Italian restaurant!

"From the conversations I have had with the new owners, I do think they are swaying towards the idea of a restaurant. I think it would do the town a lot of good."

Link ID announced the sale on their Facebook page last night and have already started receiving positive feedback.

One user commented: "Lovely! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!"

Another said: "Absolutely great news, congratulations. Excited to see it unfold and brought back to life!!"

Co-owners of Link ID, Craig Shields and Suzanne Elsey, are both keen to begin work.

Mrs Elsey commented on Facebook saying: "We are so excited. We can't wait to get started."