An independent lingerie shop in Ashford town centre is due to close today.

Elegance Lingerie in High Street will serve its final customers in the town today following four years in the town centre.

Owner Dawn Luck, 56, opened the shop in 2013 on the site of the former Pinkies nail salon located at 73a High Street.

But due to increasing rates, the bra-fitting expert has made the tough choice to move her business to another part of Kent.

Ms Luck said: “I have a good business. It’s a specialist lingerie shop with cup size up to a J.

“I’ve got 12 years experience in bra fitting.

“I came to Ashford four years ago, and all the time the rent and rates are increasing, and the footfall in Ashford over the last 12 months has just been shocking.

“All the overheads are increasing and I can’t do it any longer.”

Elegance also offer mastectomy bras and work with cancer units across Kent.

But it’s not all bad news, as Ms Luck is now moving her lingerie store to new premises in Hythe.

The business will move to 141 High Street in Hythe and open on Friday, July 14 at 10am.

Ms Luck continued: “I’m going to smaller premises so I want have to pay any business rates and my rent is more affordable.

“I’m sad to be leaving, I love the shop but I can’t make my business work while it is still here in Ashford.

“All my customers have said they’ll all come and find me. It’s all positive.

“I’m really looking forward to my new challenge.”

All stock will be moved out tomorrow (Friday).

The shop had previously been short-listed for a national award for the best newcomer category in the Stars Underlines Best Shop Awards.

Aquarius Beauty Clinic on the lower level of the building will remain open on the same site.