The owner of a beloved town centre shop says she is sad to be leaving after 14 years of trade.

Sandwich Stationers in King Street, which also trades in arts, crafts and toys, will shut for the final time on January 30.

Owner Charlotte Reynolds explained she is closing down due to the building hitting the market.

She told KentOnline: “I own the shop but not the building. The sale has made me decide about my future.

“It is the right decision but I am also sad because I have had such loyal customers and Sandwich is such a lovely town.”

Mrs Reynolds, 37, of Canterbury, opened the stationers in September 2011 and since then has married and now has three children including a stepson.

She had previously been a health care assistant and is looking to return to that line of work, aiming to ultimately work with disabled children.

Mrs Reynolds announced the end of the business to her customers on the shop’s Facebook page.

A statement there said: “I have been really debating on what to do with myself and my family’s future and have made the difficult but right decision to close the shop.

“The last month of trading will be an extremely emotional one and even though I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life I am also sad to leave this one behind.

“I would like to thank each and every person who has walked through the door. Your support and loyalty have made an amazing 13 and a half years.

“Owning a business is not easy but having you all by my side makes it easier.”

Ms Reynolds also paid tribute to her staff who she described as “amazing”.

Customers on social media expressed messages of sympathy and support.

These included Dover District Council opposition leader Trevor Bartlett who lives in nearby Staple.

He said: “So sorry to read this but appreciate that you have not made the decision lightly.

“You and your lovely shop are going to be very much missed. I will miss coming in to get my stationery, love your shop and the staff.”