Like a death in the family – that is how the Webb family have described the loss of their Tenterden kitchen and cookware shop in a devastating fire.

Directors and brothers Nigel and Graham Webb and their step-mother Carol Webb spoke after the blaze that ripped through one of the three Webbs of Tenterden High Street premises last Tuesday night.

They have vowed that the store will rise from the ashes after the fire, which is still being investigated.

"People have been giving their condolences, but that is what it feels like, a death in the family," said Nigel Webb.

"We are still functioning and the other two shops have been open as normal since the fire.

"The message we want to get across is that we are still here, despite what has happened."

Mrs Webb, who has run the shop virtually since it opened in 1963, said: "It is like a death. This has been our lives for so long and the shop is like my second home."

She is creating a pop-up shop in part of the family ironmongers which it is hoped will open on Monday.

"Stock has already been ordered and delivered," Mrs Webb said. "We will continue to sell the lines we always have and if anyone wants anything special, we will try and order it in for them.

"We will have essential cookware, mixers, glass, china and houseware."

Mrs Webb said what had happened was only just beginning to sink in.

"It is only now the dust has settled that you realise what happened," she said. "Everyone in the town has been fantastic.

"Costa Coffee and the William Caxton provided drinks and food for the fire crews on the night and Waitrose has offered us wine to give to customers on the late-night shopping night.

"We are all overwhelmed by the response from people – we cannot believe it. The regard in which we are held is a shock to us."

The Webbs have had bouquets delivered to them and cards, letters and emails not just locally but from customers and friends abroad.

"Everyone is as devastated as we are,” said Mrs Webb. "We have had messages from Canada, New Zealand and Holland.

"It has been as much as a shock to them as it has been to us."

The adjoining premises – Waterstone's and Cafe Rouge – which were also damaged in the blaze are currently still closed.

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