A children’s charity shop in a town centre has closed.

Demelza, which runs a hospice helping thousands of poorly youngsters across the county, has shut its store in Chatham High Street.

Ashley Henson, director of retail said: “We have made the difficult decision to close due to ongoing issues with the maintenance of the building.

“The shop closed on Monday (December 16) and we are working with the staff and volunteers affected to support them.

“After a sale in store, we have relocated remaining stock into our other stores.

“The support we have had from the local community has been invaluable in the time we have been trading in Chatham and we are very grateful to our retail and volunteer teams and of course everyone who has shopped and donated in-store.”

Demelza has 30 charity shops across the south east and relies on an army of volunteers to keep them running.

It has even attracted celebrities such as long-term Demelza ambassador and Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker, who regularly volunteers at her local Demelza shop in Tonbridge.

Demelza helps more than 2,500 children and families a year through palliative, respite, end-of-life and bereavement care, as well as other forms of support.

Based in Bobbing near Sittingbourne, it celebrated its 25th anniversary last year by unveiling a new building which includes accommodation and events space.

Ashley added: “Please continue to donate to and support Demelza; we have shops in nearby Gillingham and Rochester.”