Children’s charity Demelza has permanently shut its Chatham store.

The charity shop in the High Street ceased trading on Monday (16 December), following a closing down sale.

The decision was taken after the landlord put the building up for sale and took steps to ensure the building is sold unoccupied.

Estate agent Harrisons Chartered Surveyors is marketing the three-storey building, with offers around £395,000 invited.

The listing says that Demelza’s lease expired in September 2021 and they remained in the ground floor unit for a passing rent of £25,000 a year.

But now the charity has agreed to vacate the unit following discussions with the landlord.

A spokesperson for Demelza said: “We have made the difficult decision to close our shop on Chatham High Street, and this store is now closed.

“We are very grateful to our retail and volunteer teams and of course our supporters for making Demelza Chatham the success it has been.”

Alternative Demelza branches can be found in Gillingham High Street, Hempstead Valley, Rochester and Strood.

These will remain open as usual and are continuing to accept donations from customers.

Founded in 1994, Demelza supports children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions across Kent, South East London and East Sussex.