The owners of a card shop and Post office have handed over the keys after 30 years.

The African-Asian family who opened Newsrack in Grove Green, Maidstone have “passed the torch” to close friends who are excited to continue serving the community.

Brother and sister Deepak Myangar and Neela Kuntawala and Deepak’s wife Usha set up the shop, which is next to the Tesco Superstore, in 1990 after they migrated from Zambia.

In a joint statement, they said: “It has been an amazing 30 years serving our local community, many we have known for decades and whom we count as friends.

“We have survived countless trials and tribulations, including a fire in the early 2000s which burned down our entire building.

“Despite them, our customers' willingness to shop small and support local independent businesses has meant that we have been able to thrive.”

Previously, KentOnline had reported concerns regarding the shop, but its future has been secured by close friends Arvind and Hansa Ratanji who will be stepping in as Newsrack’s new owners.

The change of hands was first suggested by the couple’s eldest son, Nish, after hearing the store was intended to be sold.

He said: “I just think what would have happened was they would have most likely got a commercial shop to come in its place - if that happens, then what goes with it is all that sense of community.

“So, I said we can buy it and you can take it over.”

The Ratanji family, who originate from Zambia and Malawi, will carry on their family friends' legacy of African Asians setting up roots in Maidstone.

“The shop has always been in our lives - when I was younger, I'd come in every week. My dad would go shopping and I'd mess around behind the till and price up stuff,” laughed Nish.

But coming back to the shop as an adult, the 34-year-old says he recognises Newsrack’s community value.

“Being part of the digital era, I was really surprised – people come here and you get so many compliments for its selection of gifts and cards.

“Everyone is so friendly and the environment is so relaxing – people are so grateful that it's carrying on.”

He added, that there is something really nice in the story of “passing the torch” between the Kuntawala and Myangar family to his.

Though Nish was the one to purchase the store for his parents, he and his brother’s role will be more in the background.

Meanwhile, Arvind and Hansa will take on the day-to-day duties of the shop.

“I think this is something that me and my brother wanted to do for them. Suddenly they've got this purpose.”

The biggest change is what he has seen in his dad. Nish says he is almost like a child again.

“Watching him engage with customers, make connections, form relationships – that's what he loves doing and he's just turning into like this totally new person.”

Moving forward, the family will be keeping the main aspects of Newsrack the same but upgrade parts of the shop where needed.

Nish said: “The more I've come in and spoken to customers - it is literally like candy floss land.

“You really realise how powerful it is to be part of something that ensures this continuity – it's quite a nice feeling.”

Though originally more ambitious, they will focus on expanding existing lines and promoting its gift products.

But some necessary improvements will be made, particularly to its Post Office, following the closure of the service Payden’s pharmacy earlier this year.

Staff from the Ashford Road store will be transferred to Newsrack and the shop will re-introduce offering postal services through lunchtime hours.

It will also address queue issues for the Post Office by providing clear signposts for where customers should go, as well as more staff.