A barber shop described as the "best in Ashford" has announced it is closing after 20 years in the town.

Buzz Hair Design For Men has been a staple in Bank Street since owner James Clark joined the town centre in 2003.

But after two decades, the 44-year-old is handing back the keys as he reaches the end of his lease.

He had planned to sell the business on but the building's landlord has instead decided to put the property on the market, meaning the barbers will now close for good on Saturday, January 28.

"We have enjoyed our time in town," Mr Clark said.

"We have such lovely customers, most of them are like friends and we have met a lot of people over the 20 years who we wouldn’t have got to meet otherwise.

"I was leaving anyway because I'm coming to the end of my lease and it has been a tough time since losing my parents.

"I'm going to be doing part-time mobile hairdressing and some of my team are going to do the same.

"The pressure of being a shop owner is quite a lot these days.

"The town has been overrun with barbers as well, it has been watered down so much that I think we are getting out at the right time."

Excluding Buzz Hair Design, there are 24 other barber shops and hairdressers in Ashford town centre, two fewer than in 2020.

After announcing the closure on social media, loyal customers commented saying how much they will miss the shop.

"Such a shame, the best in Ashford..."

One said: "I've been going into Buzz for every one of those 20 years; even regularly driving down from London when I moved there to get my cuts at the best barber shop there ever has been!

"It's a massive loss to the town centre."

Another simply added: "Such a shame, the best in Ashford."

One said they have been a regular visitor since day one, adding: "Not only have I found myself the best barber in town, I have made a great friend.

"Here’s to many more haircuts."