An eco-friendly business is set to close after less than a year's trading as it becomes the latest victim of the cost of living crisis.

Rawganic opened in Dartford's Market Place last year with a vision to drive down plastic-usage and help the community adopt a more ethical and healthier lifestyle.

The zero-waste food store stocks a range of organic goods from fresh fruit and vegetables to dried foods and coffee.

Customers are encouraged to refill their cups and cut down on their own household waste via its dispensary.

The independent business was set up as a lockdown "passion project" by hairdresser Kim Goodger who was unable to work at the time at her main business, the Raw salon in Spital Street.

Its opening last September was attended by Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite, who praised one of the town's "newest and greenest businesses".

But after less than a year's trade the store has now announced it will be shutting up shop for good.

In a post published online the retailer explained it had been grappling with the cost of living criss and supplier increases and was "financially sinking like the titanic".

It read: "I’ve exhausted my savings and leant heavily on my existing business @rawhairdartford to keep my little dream going and sadly I’ve had to make the tough decision to close Rawganic.

"Juggling multiple businesses with a four-year-old in tow has been a huge test on me, my family and friends and I’ve realised if you can’t put 100% into something then it simply won’t work."

The business has not ruled out a return but expressed its thanks to loyal customers ahead of its last day of trading this Saturday.

"I can’t thank those closest to me for all of there support, time, effort and money," it added.

"And to you guys! I know each and everyone of your names and faces! It’s you that kept it going and kept me going!

"Seeing how happy you were that Dartford finally got a zero waste shop, the kids enjoying the snacks and cakes and watching you bring your own containers and filling up really made me feel it was all worth it.

"Please please continue to support us till the very end as everything must go!"

It's not the first environmental-friendly business to feel the pinch of the cost of living crisis with another Dartford-based eco trader expressing fears over its future with customers unable to afford higher-ticket items.

Rawganic had taken over the unit in Dartford' Martket Place formerly occupied by "the Bacon Shop".

It was one of the last family-run businesses in the town centre, with the shop having began trading under the name Fresh Foods in the late 1980s.

Customers expressed their thanks to the shop online with one posting: "Really really sad to hear this, your shop was a refreshing addition to Dartford."

While another added: "So sad to see you go, you were the best addition to the town and really hope to see you again! What an amazing woman you are juggling it all."