A Sainsbury's store is to move into Whitstable High Street later this year.

The shop, to be called Sainsbury’s Local, will take over the current Budgens shop.

All staff currently employed by Budgens will switch to the new store.

Although a date of opening has not yet been revealed, it will open later in the year.

Sainsbury’s spokesman David Mills said: "We’re delighted to have agreed a deal and are looking forward to opening our new shop later in the year.

"We’re working with Budgens and existing colleagues will transfer over to the new Sainsbury’s when it opens."

Budgens spokesman Helen Marsh added: “Following a thorough review of the Whitstable store, we have concluded that its sale to Sainsbury’s is in the best interests of both the business and team members.

"We expect all team members, who wish to do so, will transfer across to the new Sainsbury’s store.”