Another long-established shop is set to close in the city centre.

Anthony W Pearce Jewellers in the High Street will shut in the new year with the retirement of its owner after more than 30 years trading.

But the shop is set to become the new home of the Canterbury Jewellers and Pawnbrokers, which Tony Pearce also owns and is re-locating from its existing nearby location.

It will be the end of an era in the jewellery trade for Mr Pearce and fellow director Karl Humphreys who each have 47 years service in the trade.

"We both feel the time has come to retire although, of course, we will miss our many loyal customers," said 65-year-old Tony.

"But both us are looking forward to having more time to ourselves and our families and not working at Christmas for a change."

Tony, whose father was a jeweller, started his career in 1972 working in an independent jewellers and pawnbrokers in North London where he learned all aspects of the trade.

But it was always his intention to run his own business and in 1976 the opportunity came when he opened his first shop in Ramsgate.

A little over 10 years later, he had the chance to acquire the Canterbury shop, then F W Day Jewellers where Mr Humphreys already worked, having joined as a 16-year-old apprentice.

Tony said: "Our customers come from all walks of life and we have served up to four generations and, in many ways, and you get to know them very well.

"But younger people running the business will give it a different aspect now."

Karl, 61, added: "There are many sentimental and personal stories behind jewellery which has added to the interest."

He now plans to spend more time on the golf course and travelling in the UK, as does Tony.

But Tony will remain the owner of the Canterbury Jewellery and Pawnbrokers, which is run by his stepson, watch expert Alex Hammond.

When it re-locates to Anthony W Pearce, both he and Kim Tooth, who has worked for Tony for many years, will run the business.

"Their aim is to give it an old-style emporium feel", said Tony, whose other staff will also transfer to the pawnbrokers.

"I will still be there to help if needed but very much in the background so they can just get on with it."