A popular town centre sandwich shop is closing after 27 years due to the impact of the pandemic.

Crumbs in Gravesend will be shutting its doors and the end of trading today.

Owner Debbie Hellier told customers: "As many of you will know, this has not been an easy decision to make.

"We have soldiered on through many problems in the past but, unfortunately, the business has struggled since the pandemic and, despite our best efforts, we have not been able to recover.

"I would like to thank all of you who helped to make Crumbs as popular as it was.

"Many of you became friends rather than customers and it truly was a pleasure to see and chat to you. I will miss you all dearly."

Debbie has worked at the sandwich shop in King Street, Gravesend for nearly three decades and has been the owner for the last eight years.

The closure comes after the team told visitors in September they would unfortunately be closing on Saturdays for the foreseeable future.

The shop offered a range of home-made fillings, including one of their best sellers a chicken, bacon and stuffing mix, on freshly baked bread which was available for eating in and takeaway.

In a message today, Debbie added: "With great sadness, today is the final day for the Crumbs team to be able to serve you your favourite lunchtime sandwiches and snacks, as we close the doors for the final time this afternoon.

"As always, we are extremely grateful for all the custom we have had from the public over the years. The last couple of weeks have shown how much we are loved by our customers.

"It’s been so lovely, although extremely difficult not to get upset, talking about my time at Crumbs with our regulars, but would like to thank them for popping in one last time.

"Crumbs have been overwhelmed with the amount of cards, flowers and chocolates received from so many of you."