For more than 30 years, County Music has been a magnet for musicians seeking out a new guitar, keyboard or amplifier.

But owner Lee McIntosh has now pulled the plug on the business in Castle Street, Canterbury, to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

"Many people are assuming that it must be due to the pandemic lockdown," he said.

"But we've actually done incredibly well with online sales, especially with people taking up playing an instrument.

"The real reason is that I always planned to retire when I got to 55. And having spent almost every weekend working since I opened the shop in 1988, I think I've earned it."

Lee, who lives in Stelling Minnis, says he has loved running the business, where he has made many loyal customers and friends.

"Of course, I am going to miss that part of it," he said. "I still have customers who came through the door when I first opened.

"It's the kind of business where you need to offer a personal service.

"I was working in a music shop in Maidstone when I decided to set up on my own and was fortunate to buy the freehold of the building, which includes an upstairs flat, when I opened up in Canterbury.

"I really feel for those businesses who have to pay rent on top of rates.

"But not having that financial burden meant that I have managed to stay very competitive on price against the solely online instrument dealers."

Lee says he was inundated with calls after launching his closing down sale, which has now ended with all stock gone.

"It's going to be strange not having to think about work, especially at weekends."

"People were stopping me in the street and asking if I was really closing down, which I had to tell them I was," he said.

Lee says he now plans to travel, when restrictions are lifted, and spend more time making his own music on his piano.

"It's going to be strange not having to think about work, especially at weekends, but I'm sure I'll get used to it," he said.

The freehold of the Grade II-listed building, which includes an upstairs four-bed flat and rear parking spaces, is now up for sale through Caxtons for £750,000.

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