A charity shop has closed its doors for the last time after more than three decades of raising money for a good cause.

After 31 years of trading, the ellenor shop in High Street, Swanley, was closed down as the area is being redeveloped and the shop’s tenancy came to an end.

The shop was run by Swanley and North Downs (SAND) Lions club members and their partners and was opened in the late 80s in a joint project lead by Gravesend Lions Club.

Colin McRobert, charter member of the SAND Lions club, said: “Within a month of opening in 1987 they were worrying about how they were going to cope with the amount of stock donated.

“The folk of Swanley and surrounding areas have continued their generous support ever since, and for that Lions, and ellenor, are truly grateful.”

The charity has 15 shops across the county which raise funds for specialist palliative and end-of-life care.

Linda Trew, ellenor’s director of income generation, added: “I would like to say a very big thank you to all our loyal customers and volunteers for being involved in ellenor and for shopping in our charity shops.

"Our care depends on your ongoing support to help us raise the £6.9m we need each year, as demand for our services is growing.

"The ongoing generosity of our supporters ensures that we can provide the very best personalised hospice care.

"We could not do it without you and once again, I would like to thank everyone on behalf of ellenor."