A beloved sweet shop in Kidderminster has announced with a "very heavy heart" that it is set to close. 

The Sweet Jar on Vicar Street made the sad announcement over the weekend and said the decision had not been easy. 

The business said the decision had come following the impact of Covid as well as the economic crisis, struggles with stock, price increases, shops in town closing down or moving and the loss of footfall. 

In a statement, shop owners Louise and Kevin Dance, said: "This is definitely not a post we wanted to write but it is with a very heavy heart that we are having to close the shop. This hasn't been an easy decision by any means and has involved a lot of tears.

"When we took over in 2019, we had the best year and looked forward to things to come but then the dreaded Covid hit. As we all know that took a major toll on us and having to shut was hard but with us doing deliveries we managed to get through. 

"Since then we have put blood, sweat and tears into the shop and times have just hit harder than anyone could imagine. There has been a range of different factors which have not helped us from the economic crisis, struggles with stock, price increases, works and shops in town going or moving which in turn has lead to decreased footfall and being broken into just to name a few."

The shop has since praised its "amazing" customers and thanked everyone for their support over the years. 

Customers have expressed their sadness at the closure and wished the best for all the staff with one resident calling the shop "nothing short of brilliant". 

The Sweet Jar added: "It's not all been negative, we have met some amazing people and made so many friends. We had some of the best customers. We have made so many different orders and have loved doing every one of them and thank you all for trusting us.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to all our customers. It has been you who has been keeping us going by all your continued support throughout and loving what we do. We have had plenty of tears but many jokes and laughs through the years and these will stay close in our hearts forever.

"Also a big thank you to our lovely staff over the years, we definitely wouldn't have done this journey without you. You are all amazing.

"So this journey has come to an end but will live on forever in our hearts. When one door closes another opens... watch this space. Much love to you all and thank you."