A family-run hardware store which has served customers for more than 50 years will be closing its doors.

The Hardware Centre, in London Road, Sevenoaks, has announced it will be shutting down.

The shop sells a range of equipment, including cookware and utensils, glass, tableware, DIY and gardening products.

On Monday the company posted a message on social media saying they will be having a closing down sale.

It states: "Dear customers, after trading for nearly 60 years and serving Sevenoaks for over 50 years, the time has come to retire.

"Sadly, we have not been able to find a buyer to continue the business.

"As we don’t yet have a precise finishing date, we will be running a closing down sale for some months.

"Please continue to support us while we are still here. Thank you for your loyal custom over the years."

Residents expressed their sadness, with one saying: "What a huge loss for Sevenoaks."

Another said: "So sorry to hear this. I've bought so much from you over the years, I shall miss your presence in Sevenoaks. I wish you a long and happy retirement."

Julie Cornford co-owns the store with her brother Stephen Martin, 63.

The 60-year-old said the business was passed down to them from their parents Clive and Margaret Martin.

She said: "Just over 50 years ago my parents set up The Hardware Centre.

"Back then Sevenoaks was just a small market town, with a butchers and a grocers.

"Very few shops sold ironmongery and cookware, and my parents saw an opportunity."

She added: "I grew up with the store throughout my school life. My parents had to juggle working and bringing up a family.

"I didn't help out that much when I was younger - I would only look forward to the pocket money!"

"Very few shops sold ironmongery and cookware, and my parents saw an opportunity."

Eventually her parents retired and passed the reins onto them - now Julie and her brother have made the decision to also retire.

The Hardware Centre stayed open throughout each Covid lockdown, with the store being one of the only places open in the town at the time.

Julie said: "Hardly anywhere was open, but people were still coming in needing bits for DIY - nuts and bolts. At one point we sold face masks for customers."

She adds she will miss helping people, but said: "Everything has to end at some point."

"I enjoyed that the store was able to serve the community, for example at one point we were doing free delivery for older people," Julie explained.

"It was nice to give customers what they wanted and to be involved with the local residents - I've had a few say to me that they wish we weren't going."

In her retirement, Julie plans on moving down to Dorset with her husband and says her brother, who lives locally, will be happy to put his feet up.