A popular children's toy shop is closing one of its branches in a town centre.

The Entertainer in The Mall, Maidstone, has announced it is shutting "for relocation".

The company operates more than 170 stores and is the UK's largest independent toy retailer.

A poster in the shop window says it will be "closing down for relocation" and any customer queries should be sent via email or phone.

The next nearest branches are in the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham, or at Bluewater in Dartford.

Customers can still purchase items through the website.

People took to social media to express their upset over the closure, which is understood to be on Saturday, November 19.

'It doesn't make sense'

Sarah Reader said: "Omg I don't know what to say. Just been in to The Entertainer, pretty much the only toy shop in Maidstone and told the sad news that it will be shutting in three weeks!

"Just feel for the staff, it's absolutely crazy as the busiest place in the mall. Just makes no sense whatsoever and just before the busiest time of year for them too?

"Now we are going to have to go to a big industrial estate to the only other big toy store. Doesn't make sense."

Another person commented: "So sad – remember when it was Gamleys before The Entertainer – Maidstone literally has nothing left to offer really for shopping."

It has not been revealed where the store will move to.

The Entertainer and The Mall have been contacted for a comment.