The manager of a shopping centre-based jewellers says moving to the shop 23 years ago changed his life.

Keith Maul was reflecting on his career as F. Hinds celebrates 50 years in Sittingbourne.

The 55-year-old has been in charge at the business inside the Forum shopping centre since moving there from Aldershot.

He said: “It used to be the managers would move around in the stores, but I got here and quickly met my wife through a colleague.

“We have been together for 22 years and it has changed my life.”

The couple bought their engagement and wedding rings through the store and have called Sittingbourne their home with one child.

And it’s this emphasis on family and wanting to help people’s lives that Keith feels has kept the store going for as long as it has.

He added: “Jewellery is an important part of relationships and is a very personal thing and it usually tends to tell a story.

“Whether it be an engagement, wedding, or anniversary present, it’s all unique to the owner.

“That’s why I think a high street branch works so well, we get a lot of regular customers coming in and asking questions about their items and our products and we feel like we are changing their lives.

“A lot of retailers have become more robotic now with a focus on self-service, but we are allowed to be ourselves which I think helps us build a rapport with the customer.”

However, Keith has noticed some changes to modern shopping.

He said: “People do tend to do more click and collect nowadays which is fine and you find some people using the online store for Christmas presents.

“But we tend to see regular customers coming in often and getting new batteries for their watches and when they do, they can talk to us about other items they may be looking at and we can advise them.

“I feel this is one of the trades that seems to be bucking the modern trend.”

Keith explained there is an emphasis on family values within the store as the company is still owned by the Hinds family who originally opened a store in 1856.

It now has more than 120 different branches nationwide, according to Keith.

For its 50th year in Sittingbourne, the store is holding a special event where people can come and reminisce about their fondest memories.