A notable absence has been felt on West Malling’s High Street this week.

Popular lingerie shop Josh Lingerie closed its doors on Sunday after four years in the town centre.

Owner Joyce Pearce, who has been a bra fitter for more than 15 years, has decided that it is time to take a step back and enjoy some more free time.

She is billing her move as retirement, but as she told the KM, she will carry on working behind the scenes.

She also owns and runs the neighbouring Number 39 boutique, and has no plans to close that.

Speaking of her decision to step down a gear, the 66-year-old said: “I have enjoyed my time here. It has been busy and fun, but I’ve been working all of my life now and want to relax.

“No plans are set in stone yet. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I shall spend more time with my husband and two grown-up sons.

“It will still be some time before I can really put my feet up.

“Josh Lingerie still exists online, and I am continually updating and improving the website.

“It is very much a work in progress at the moment, but after that I haven’t a clue what I’ll do.

“Perhaps I’ll take a holiday or two.”

Before she became an expert in lingerie, Mrs Pearce worked as a secretary at a now defunct packaging company based in Sittingbourne.

She opened her first shop in Rainham, where she remained for four years before going on to spend another seven years in Meopham.

Her presence will remain in the High Street for some time yet with her boutique, which specialises in handbags, shoes and gloves.

It was set up last year.