Kingston’s music fans are trying to organise a special wake after the surprise closure of the borough’s last remaining independent instrument shop.

A Kingston institution for half a century, Hands Music, just off Market Place in Griffin Centre, closed its doors for good on Sunday after reportedly going into receivership.

Men were spotted clearing instruments and equipment from the shop on Monday. The shop’s website has also been closed down.

A post on the store’s Facebook page read: “It is very sad to announce but due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to cease trading.

“We would like to thank everyone that has experienced Hands Music over the past 50 years and helped make the shop the exciting, vibrant and amazing place it’s been. Keep playing, guys."

The shop opened in 1966 and its history was marred by sadness when owner Richard Jarvis died inside the store in 2009.

A note posted in the window said: "I cannot express my gratitude to all the staff that helped shape Hands throughout our 50 years."

For generations Hands has provided instruments to budding musicians and the closure news was greeted by a flurry of posts on social media, many recalling memories of buying a first instrument for school orchestras.

There was also speculation that rising rents and the ability to buy instruments quickly and more cheaply online had contributed to the shop's demise.

Surrey Comet:

Hands customers took to social media to organise a 'wake' for the shop

Music teacher Steve Whelan said: “Shame, I bought all my music there years ago and send my pupils there now. In recent years have found it to be quite expensive compared to online.”

Hannah Kirk said: “The internet is very useful but also responsible for the demise of this sort of business. I remember when there were three Hands stores, each with their own specialism.

“I also remember being able to borrow scores from the library. No longer possible for much; we are all guilty for not supporting local business or services enough. Thank you Hands for being there, we’ll miss you.”