A commercial laundry firm, which has been operating for almost a century from the same premises in Ramsgate, has been sold.

Founded in 1928, K Laundry on Northwood Road has been acquired by Essex-based firm Belmont Laundry which has vowed to retain existing employees.

The deal was struck after K Laundry's managing director, Clive Jones - whose grandparents started the business - decided to retire.

Originally started to serve the seaside town's hotels and guest houses, it then expanded into laundry and linen hire for hospitality, private schools and manufacturers.

The out-going MD explained: "Ramsgate is an area of deprivation and preserving the jobs of those who have been so loyal to us was an absolute must for any deal.

"Like K Laundry, Belmont is a family-owned company that serves similar customers."

The deal was agreed in a deal brokered by Crawley-based corporate financial specialists Watersheds.

Added Mr Jones; "Watersheds appreciated the importance of the human element if we were to sell, and we really appreciate the time and effort they took to find a match that met our ethical, as well as financial, requirements."

Mark Middleton, MD of Belmont Laundry, added: "This acquisition will allow us to expand geographically, while maintaining the same high-quality service.

“We will continue to invest in the K Laundry site and, given that providing such a service is very labour-intensive, will continue to employ the local workforce.”