Campaigning grandmother Vera Purll was given a round of applause by staff as she left her beloved Marks & Spencer for the last time.

The store in New Road, Gravesend, closed its doors for good at 5pm on Saturday after bosses deemed it was not “financially viable” to keep the branch open.

The iconic gold Marks and Sparks lettering, which has been in the town for 100 years, was taken down that night.

The Messenger’s Save Our M&S campaign to keep the store open saw close to 2,000 people sign our petition.

Mrs Purll, who lives in St Benedict’s Avenue, Gravesend, joined forces with the Messenger and collected more than 800 signatures herself.

She has shopped at the branch for decades, even buying an outfit to wear on her honeymoon.

The 93-year-old said she could not bear the thought of giving up without a fight.

She said: “You get to know all these girls and you think about where they’re going to go next.

“I think that it’s like losing part of our heritage when something like this goes. We’ve had M&S here for 100 years, I bought my going away outfit from here and I believe that was about 70 years ago.”

Mrs Purll was determined to be the last customer out. As she made her way to the front doors, staff greeted her with hugs and a round of applause.

When Mrs Purll stood outside, reflecting on her final visit, two members of staff rushed out and gave her a box of chocolates for her loyal service and dedication in trying to keep M&S open.

The committed pensioner’s final shop included chicken, crisps and sweets.

She said: “What I’m going to miss most is the food department. I want quality over quantity. I know I’m on my own but I’m really extravagant – I buy fillet steak.”

Mrs Purll said she was proud of what she achieved even though the branch had closed.

She said: “I’ve come to the conclusion that age doesn’t stop what you want to do.”

M&S opened in New Road in 1914, and moved to a different part of the street in 1927. All 63 staff have been transferred to other branches and the building is expected to be sold.