A “legend of Ashford” who ran the town’s oldest shop for decades has died aged 76, sparking scores of tributes.

Peter Earl, the long-time owner of C.G. Earl & Son in Hythe Road, died on April 24 at the Pilgrims Hospice following an 11-month battle with cancer.

He had lived in the town for almost all his life and was known by many as a friendly face behind the counter of the footwear shop, which his family had run since 1912.

Mr Earl spent 57 years at the business before it closed in 2022, marking the end of a 110-year spell.

His wife Angie, 66, said Peter had dedicated his life to the business, which was originally founded by his grandparents and later run by his parents, Ron and Joyce.

“Peter went to work there straight after school, when he was 15,” she said.

“He worked there right up until his retirement at 73.

“After his dad passed away in 1992, and with his mum still alive at the time, we began running it together. It was a huge part of our lives.”

The shop, which sold shoes, boots, belts and specialist footwear, weathered the rise of online retail and Ashford Designer Outlet.

When the doors finally shut in February 2022, the couple received a flood of cards, letters and gifts from loyal customers.

“It really touched us how many people cared,” Angie said.

“The shop had been part of the town for generations.”

Peter was born in 1948 and met Angie in 1985.

The pair married two years later and made their home in Brabourne, where they raised their two children, Melissa and James, and had three grandsons.

“He was a very loving, caring, hardworking family man,” Angie said.

“Peter was also very well respected for his craftsmanship — he always took pride in what he did.

“He handled customers with real care, and we’ve had a lot of kind messages from them since he passed.”

Peter was diagnosed with liver and spine cancer 11 months ago.

Though the illness and treatment left him tired and weakened, Angie says he remained as resilient as he could be throughout.

“He coped as best he could,” she added.

“He lost a lot of weight and was exhausted by the treatment, but he faced it bravely.”

He died just 27 hours after being admitted to Pilgrims Hospice, where he received what Angie described as “incredible care”.

Since his passing, the family have set up a fundraiser for the charity through the funeral directors Earl & Co, where more than £50 has been raised.

“We chose the Pilgrims Hospice as our charity because they were absolutely amazing,” Angie explained.

“They looked after Peter so well — and also took such compassionate care of the whole family.”

Peter’s funeral will take place on Friday, May 16, and is expected to be well attended.

“I think there’ll be at least 60 or 70 people there,” Angie said.

“Even though we knew it was coming, it’s still devastating and hard to process. He meant so much to us.”

C.G. Earl & Son had stood on Hythe Road since 1921, originally founded by Clarence George Earl and passed through the generations.

It became known for its traditional values and old-fashioned customer service, which Peter and Angie upheld for decades.

When they made the decision to close the shop for retirement, Angie said at the time: "We have had so many lovely comments – a lot of people have said that from their own perspective they don't want to see us go!”

The building has since been converted into homes.

This week, scores of tributes have been left for Peter on social media by some of his former customers.

One described him as an "Ashford legend" and "an icon".

“So sorry for your family's loss,” Martin Cotton wrote.

“I'm 60 years old and I still have four pairs of Loake boots and Dr. Martens that Peter sold me.”

Audrey Brooks added: “I only got to know him through the shop, but what a gentleman, it was a pleasure to know him.”

Peter’s funeral will be held at 10.30am on Friday, May 16 at Charing Crematorium. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Pilgrims Hospice.