A familiar shopfront in Kingston will disappear at the end of the month as the owners of Jay’s Newsagents move on after 21 years.

Jay Dodia and his wife Sonia moved to Britain in 1994 from their birthplace in Mombasa, Kenya, and opened their shop in Richmond Road in 1996.

Having decided it’s time to move on, they thanked their customers "from the bottom of our hearts" for the "kindness and friendship" shown to them, to their two daughters Deepa and Kajol and to Jay’s Dad Ratilal who lives with them.

Mr Dodia said: "I feel happy and sad saying goodbye.

"I will really miss the customers and all the great chats we've had.

"It's a real community around here.

"We moved here with nothing and this shop has made me who I am today.

"The community has made us so feel welcome, supported us with their custom, and helped us with guidance.

"Local councillors, too, have helped by encouraging improvements to the area and creating a neighbourhood people can feel passionate about."

In 2000, their service earned them a Newsagent of the Month award from the Surrey Comet, and Mr Dodia has been interviewed on local radio.

The couple are moving on because "times are changing" for businesses, but are not leaving the area so will still be able to keep in touch with the community they have served so well.

New owners will take over the site in December, selling blinds and upholstery.