A town's oldest family-run shop is to close its doors after more than a century of trading.

Ashford business C.G. Earl and Son will be shutting before Christmas – 109 years after it was first founded.

The company, which sells shoes, belts, boots and work footwear, was created by Clarence George Earl in 1912.

It moved to Hythe Road in 1921 and remains there today, having passed down to Clarence's son Ron and his wife Joyce and then to Ron's son Peter and his wife Angie.

But after 57 years working in the shop, Peter, 73, says he has decided to spend time with his family.

"This has been my whole life and it's nice to take a step back," he explained.

"It's a very sad thing in many ways and I know a lot of people have said they will miss us, but it is a case of stepping back when we can, rather than when we have to."

The pair are now looking forward to spending more time with their two children in the new year once they shut the doors for the final time on December 16.

It will see the end of a dynasty that refused to let its traditions and values be bowed by the changes in the town, having survived the rise of the Ashford Designer Outlet and online shopping.

"The industry has changed a lot, it used to be that suppliers would come to you but now you have to go to them," said Mr Earl, who lives in Brabourne.

"And with a shop that's family run, you can't just say 'oh, we'll pop up on Friday' because that would mean closing the whole shop."

Mrs Earl added: "The way people shop has also changed, even to the point where you can get protective footwear at hardware stores now.

"I remember years ago we would always know everyone who came to shop; we would always know that the people at the market would come over after the market day."

Following the couple's announcement, which was shared on social media by their son James, the shop has been inundated with well-wishers, as well as people taking their last chance to get a pair of shoes from the store.

Mrs Earl said: "We would just like to put on record our greatest thanks to all of our loyal customers over the years, and everyone who has wished us well in person and online.

"It means a huge amount, and while this has been a difficult decision we're excited for the next chapter in our lives."

Alan Terry, who has been a regular customer at the shop for decades, says he is "very sorry" to see it close.

"They've been here for so long and are just so handy for me and so reliable, but all good things must come to an end," he said.

"If they ask you for a sole and heel to be replaced but they find it doesn't need the heel, they won't do it or charge you, which is not something you get at other places where they're there to take you for a ride."

Mr Terry, who lives in nearby Dering Road, has very fond memories of the shop through the years.

"I remember some 70-odd years ago, if Ashford Town FC were playing away on a Saturday afternoon, you could walk past the shop at about 5pm and Ron would get a phone call and put the Ashford result in the window," he explained.

"It has been a real establishment in the town, if someone said 'the shoe shop' you knew exactly where and who they meant."

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