An independent toy shop in Braintree has closed its doors for the final time.

Former Woolworths’ employee Lorraine Chapman and daughter Niki McQuillan set up Kidzone Toys, in Market Street, in 2010 but decided to shut up shop this week, citing the “high costs of running an independent business”.

The announcement, which was posted on Facebook on Monday, read: “It is with great sadness that we have had to close Kidzone Toys as from today, this decision was made due to the high costs of running an independent business.

“We have worked very hard to try and keep the business going over the years during these tough times, but have now unfortunately coming to the end.

“We would like to thank you all for your continued support and loyalty, it has been very heart felt, we are truly grateful.

“We have made some great friends along our five year journey and had the pleasure of watching your little ones grow into amazing children.

“So again thank you and wishing you all a very happy future.”

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.