A couple who have run a much-loved gift shop for more than a decade have announced their retirement.

Russell and Annette Yeoell made the difficult decision to close The Secret Garden in Borough Green High Street earlier this month.

“I will miss the people the most – not the work!” joked 56-year-old Annette.

“They know they can come in and have a wander around. We don’t expect people to buy anything, we just want them to know we're part of the community.

“The locals love to chat and you feel like you're part of their family sometimes. I love that.”

The pair, who live in Riverhead, Sevenoaks, opened their gift shop on February 15, 2011.

They sell a range of items from greeting cards, helium balloons, watches, jewellery, toys and stationery.

Russell has worked in the sales and retail industry all his life. He had previously been made redundant five times.

“Although I'd always wanted to work for myself, I'd never envisaged having a shop,” the 64-year-old explained.

“But it was probably the best thing I'd ever done in my life. It took me 45 years to realise I'd finally found a job I loved.”

The little gift shop managed to survive the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis – which the couple say is all thanks to the support of the community.

However, after 13 years, they have decided to call it a day.

On Tuesday, March 12, Russell announced his retirement on Facebook and the store’s closing down sale.

He said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have been part of the village for the past thirteen years and we cannot thank everyone enough for all the custom, support and friendship that we have been so grateful to receive.

“We have been lucky to meet so many lovely people and their families and had a great deal of fun along the way.

“Thankfully, the business managed to survive the pandemic while so many businesses, both small and large, were sadly not so fortunate.

“We have the support of this fantastic community to thank for keeping us going both during and after.”

The post was flooded with dozens of heartfelt comments from residents and customers.

Susie Connor said: “It has been a joy to shop in The Secret Garden for so many years.

“You have supplied so many interesting gifts and cards for my friends and family. Thank you Annette for your brilliant taste in cards.

“Sometimes I just came in for one because I needed to get out of the house and have a natter.”

Sarah Earl added: “Really sad that you are finally moving on – we will all really miss you – Borough Green won’t be the same without The Secret Garden.

“The new shop will have big boots to fill! However all good things come to an end, so I wish you both all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”

Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Matt Boughton, said: “The Secret Garden in Borough Green is one of those fantastic local shops that adds so much to the High Street.

“They will be missed but I am sure we all wish Russell a happy and well deserved retirement!”

The couple say they “couldn’t quite believe” how much of an impact they have had on the community.

“It’s making me tear up now,” Annette said. “My daughter started here when she was seven – she’s now going to be 21 this year.

“Similarly we’ve seen our customer’s kids grow up. It does make you feel old though!”

Russell added: “It’s been fantastic. I knew we would get regulars, but I never thought we'd make so many genuine friends as well.

“We even went to the wedding of one of our customers.”

Their final day of trading will be Thursday, March 28. The site will be taken over by a new owner and is set to receive a complete refurb.

Annette claims there are already plans in place to build an extension out the back of the shop for storage and the addition of one or two flats above.

The bottom floor of the building will be kept as a retail unit.

Russell plans on spending his retirement going to football matches, volunteering at the local charity shop, and participating in his amateur dramatics group.

“I'm not the sort of person who can sit around,” he said. “I have a very low boredom threshold.

“You won't catch me watching Homes Under the Hammer every day!”

The couple will also be jetting off to Alderney for their friend’s wedding in May.

It will be their first holiday together since they opened the shop and hope it will be one of many more to come.