More than 300 runners met up for one last jog to mark the imminent closure of a popular sportswear shop.

Sweatshop at Newnham Court Shopping Village, Maidstone, will be shutting down next month after nearly two decades in the County Town.

The store is known in the community not just for selling kit and equipment but also for providing a free running club on a Monday and Thursday.

The club was set up by the store's manager Matt Atwell back in 2007, initially with just five members.

Since then, volunteering members of staff host a 5k and a 10k route on both days, every week.

Mr Atwell's idea proved to be popular the company made it compulsory across all 40 stores to host at least one free 5k run.

Last night (Monday) marked the very last run for the group and more than 300 people turned up to take part.

Richard Love, 74, from Bearsted has been a loyal customer of the shop and has been running with the group since 2014.

He said: "It is a great loss for the running community.

"They have always welcomed new people. My daughter goes along every week as well and so do three of the grandchildren.

"It wasn't just a shop, they would video you on the treadmill and tell you the correct trainers to get that were best for you.

"When I joined the running club it was like I was getting free personal trainers."

His wife, Christine, said: "They need recognition. They do not get paid to do it, they just do it for the love of the sport.

"The whole family have taken part in the Park Run, but this has been a lovely little one to go to every week."

The store opened its doors in 2000 and was the third Sweatshop in the country before being bought by high street giant, Sports Direct, in 2013.

The company has been approached for comment.

A spokesman for Sweatshop confirmed the store will be closing on Friday, September 6.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone