A building firm has closed with 35 staff being made redundant.

John Jarvis Ltd, founded in 1883 and based in Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells has gone into insolvency, together with sister company, the plasterers Cartwright's, of Tonbridge.

The firm built many Tunbridge Wells landmarks, including the Opera House and the Kent and Sussex Hospital.

Chairman of John Jarvis Ltd, Ernest Turley, who has worked for the company for 69 years and managed it since the 1960s, said: "The unforeseen impact of the credit crunch and its severe effect on the construction industry have made it impossible for John Jarvis Ltd and Cartwright's to survive.

"We have looked at all options open to us. It is with great sadness and disappointment that the companies are closing."