The West Norfolk family from Upwell who are related to Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson has been commemorated as a national hero with monuments such as Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square preserving his name, and a West Norfolk family has spoken about what it feels like to be related to this historical figure.

Christine Nelson, who lives at Upwell, married into the family after meeting Carl Nelson.

As a result of this marriage, she shares common heritage through Horatio Lord Nelson's grandfather, Rev Edmund Nelson, who was born in 1693 in Scarning.

Carl died 10-years-ago but Mrs Nelson and her son Philip have spoken about being descendants of Lord Nelson's cousins.

Philip, who now lives and works in London, said: "It's a talking point. When I meet people and you say you're a Nelson and from Norfolk, they ask if I'm related.

"They are then taken aback a bit when I say that I am. Some people do have to be convinced because, although it is not that common as a name in Norfolk, there are parts of the country where it is relatively common.

"I tell them about the family history and the closeness to the Tribe family who are the direct descendants of Lord Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton. The only direct survivor is a personal friend of mine who lives in Portsmouth."

In 2005, the Nelson family had a big reunion at Necton Church with 200 people in attendance.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to meet distant cousins who you have never met before," Mr Nelson said.

"Horatio was not actually the first son of Edmund to be called Horatio. Another son was called the same name but he died as an infant."

A memorial to Horatio Nelson can be found at All Saints Church in Hilborough.

Mr Nelson said: "It's a lovely historic church, a bit off the beaten track. A couple of the aunts were born there and I think that's where the family had a connection for over 150 years as local vicars."

Christine said her husband's father lived at Holme Hale where the family can be traced back to George Nelson, who was a fruit grower, in an 1851 census.

George's son John Nelson was baptised in Necton before going on to become a miller at Necton tower mill according to historical documents.

"All of the relatives are buried in Necton church in the graveyard," Christine said, who has lived at Upwell all of her life.

Philip, who is chairman of the 7/7 Memorial Trust which remembers the victims of the London bombings in July 2005, said he has been invited to a variety of events because of his connection.

Last April, he was invited to speak ahead of a Nelson Requiem Mass performance by the Ovingdean Choral Society.

Speaking about the enduring appeal of the Trafalgar hero, Philip said: "Part of it is that people can relate to him as he was not well off like the Duke of Wellington was. He has a more relatable background and he was not without scandal.

"He had no fear, he was adventurous and the fact that he was imperfect meant he was a society figure.

"Nelson was innovative in many respects, and importantly in relation to what we are battling today, where front line workers are in the vanguard of the challenge."

Horatio Nelson was born on September 29, 1758 in Burnham Thorpe, and died at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. He was the first non-royal recipient of a state funeral at St Paul's Cathedral in London, where his body was buried in the crypt.