There were tears but still time for some laughs as a close-knit team at a charity shop prepared to close their doors for the last time.

The British Red Cross shop has been open for just over 10 years in Bank Street, Maidstone, but will close after its lease ran out and the charity decided to look for a new location in the town.

Manager Carole Sutton and assistant manager Margaret Moore have been made redundant as the charity is yet to find new premises, although the search is ongoing.

Mrs Sutton said over the years they had been particularly proud of their window displays which often prompted customers to ask to buy the complete outfits of the shop dummies - who were fondly known as Slack Alice and Apricot Lil.

Mrs Sutton, 61, who is to be assistant manager at Age Concern in Gabriel’s Hill three days a week, said: “We have been one big, happy team here.

“We had fun with our windows and have had a few gimmicks.

“We have had so many customers come in with cards and say 'sorry to see you go', and we would like to thank all our customers over the years for supporting us, and hope they will do the same in the new premises. We’d also like to thank our volunteers; they’ve been a credit to us.”

She added: “We hoped things would pick up in Bank Street when the post pffice moved here, but it hasn’t really happened. It used to be a thriving street but it seems to have waned.”

Mrs Moore is to retire while many of the team of 14 volunteers may continue at the new store once a suitable location in the town centre is found.