Bosses of an independent bookshop are desperate to find a new owner in a bid to save the store from permanent closure.

Harbour Books, situated in Whitstable's Harbour Street, shut after 25 years of trading.

In a message to customers its owners said: "Harbour Books is in need of a new owner.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to take over one of Whitstable's most loved and well-established businesses."

Harbour Books has long played a key part in the town's thriving literary scene - hosting regular book signings, author talks, a book club and monthly poetry and prose evening Words on Waves.

Spread across two floors, the small store offers fiction and non-fiction titles as well as cards, games and stationery, and promotes local authors by stocking a range of their work.

The owners of the business previously told its customers: "It is with great sadness that we announce the upcoming closure of Harbour Books after 25 years of trading.

"We would like to thank all our customers, friends, authors, former staff, and everyone who has supported us all these years.

"The past few months have been especially difficult but the kindness of good Whitstable folk has sustained us and made it all so much easier.

"Please come and see us (and buy books!) before we go but come with smiles, not sadness.

"We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and send you lots of love."

Harbour Books was approached for a comment.

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