The future of a toy shop which has been a firm favourite with families for more than a generation has been secured after a chain stepped in to buy it out.

Gamleys in the Mall Chequers, Maidstone, has been bought out by The Entertainer, after months of uncertainty over its future.

It will trade for the last time on Friday under the name Gamleys before opening as The Entertainer on Saturday, August 30.

The Gamleys name is, however, likely to stay on the front of the store for some time before a major refit.

The buyout, which has also included the Brighton Gamleys store, means all 13 full and part-time staff will transfer to the new company.

Entertainer chief, Gary Grant, said: “We are grateful for this opportunity to build on the reputation of Gamleys.

“These acquisitions illustrate our ongoing commitment to both our business and the industry, in which is proving to be a challenging year for many.”

A statement from Gamleys head office said: “The directors of Gamleys are very pleased that an agreement has been reached with the Entertainer to ensure the continuation of the Gamleys stores at Brighton and Maidstone and especially for the loyal and hardworking staff.”

Do you have fond memories of Gamleys in Maidstone? Did your parents buy your Christmas and birthday presents there or did you work there? Write to messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk or Kent Messenger, 6&7 Middle Row, Maidstone, ME14 1TG.