Popular clothing and homeware shop M&Co is celebrating 10 years in Deal this month, with more than half of its original staff still working there.

The shop, next to Marks & Spencer and Starbucks, has been an active High Street business, holding regular charity fashion shows and offering 'girls’ nights in”.

To celebrate, customers are invited to enjoy in-store nibbles and pick up balloons for children on Saturday, November 19.

Manager Sue Hewins, an employee of 20 years, moved from the Whitstable shop to Deal when it opened. She said: “It’s been a fantastic 10 years.

“I still live for this shop and have a great passion for it. We have three trading floors, offering men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as homeware, and it was a big promotion for me when I came here.

“But we’ve managed to keep it thriving thanks to our many loyal customers.”

Mrs Hewins looks after a team of 14, of which eight have been with her since November 2006.

Jade Nash started out as a Saturday girl when it opened and is now the assistant manager.

She said: “We’re a family here. We have lots of regular customers who we are on first-name terms with.”

One of their most loyal shoppers is Catherine Birt, who says she returns week after week because of their friendly and helpful customer service.

Miss Nash added: “I’ve had three promotions since I’ve been here. It’s down to the excellent training, where I’ve been sent away on courses, and the support of my manager.”

Other original staff members include Heather Dale, Dawn Ambrose, Kath Ellis, Michelle Cudworth, Jade Everett and Lori Tawiah.

The store also offers a pop-up shop, visiting residential homes such as Westbury House, in Blenheim Road, allowing those who can not make it to the town to try on items and buy them.