One of the oldest independent gyms in a town has closed after more than 30 years in the town.

The Olympians Gym on the Ellingham Industrial Estate in Ashford opened its doors to customers for the final time on Thursday.

The strength and body building gym was set up in the Stour Centre in the 1980s.

It moved to its current spot in South Ashford when works were carried out to improve the leisure centre in 2004.

Warren Maxwell and Julie Abbott, who had run the business for 13 years, say that growing competition from other gyms in the town is one of the reasons for the closure.

Ms Abbott, who lives in Brenzett said: "I'm devastated that we have had to close, but there's not much more we can do.

"We have kept it going for the last year but it has been hard.

"With 13 other gyms have opening in Ashford since we took over and more potentially opening we feel that we have done our best."

Now Ms Abbott plans to spend time with her five children and grandchild, while her partner goes on to pursue his career in landscape gardening.

The 40-year-old added: "It's been a very sad and emotional few days.

"We have had to say goodbye to our loyal customers who have had to find elsewhere to train, we wish them all the very best."

Ian Douglas, 71, was one of the oldest members at the gym.

He said: "It's a shame that it has closed. There aren't many gyms like it or many weight gyms around."