A high street butchers has shut after bosses said "it is no longer viable to continue".

Dymchurch Butchers closed its doors today as footfall has dropped and energy bills have increased amid the cost-of-living crisis.

But owner Peter Vickerman says his three other branches - in Hythe, Folkestone and Aldington - will remain open as usual.

Mr Vickerman has also assured Dymchurch residents that they "will be back" as he plans to resume trading in the village in the near future.

Announcing the news on Facebook, he said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closing of one of our shops.

"Having operated during Covid-19, it is fair to say that nearly every business was affected in some way or another, but we persevered and saw it through.

"Having to face another hurdle concerning the energy crisis currently, we have thought long and hard about the future at Dymchurch Butchers and unfortunately deem it no longer viable to continue as we are."

The shop opened in May 2018 and Mr Vickerman thanked his "amazing staff and customers" for the support over the years.

He also confirmed that no staff will be losing their jobs as they will be transferred across the other three branches.

Folkestone Butchers opened its doors earlier this year as it replaced the unit previously occupied by JC Rook & Sons, which had 11 stores across Kent before they were all forced to close in 2022.

Mr Vickerman also opened Hythe Butchers in May last year at the site of the former Rook's building in the town's high street.

Folkestone branch manager Callum Connelly told KentOnline that business is booming in the town and believes the closure of the Dymcurch shop could be a positive for the franchise as a whole.

"We are absolutely flying in Folkestone - we are just getting busier and busier," he said

Mr Connelly used to manage Dymchurch Butchers and agrees that it was no longer viable to keep the branch open.

He said: "A lot of the trade in the Romney Marsh area has moved online. Everything ordered online comes from our Aldington branch so Dymchurch became very quiet.

"It seemed quite pointless keeping it open when all the other stores are doing so well.

"We are much better having the staff in Dymchurch placed in our other shops."