A well-known independent Hitchin store is set to close soon.

Maison Blanc in the heart of our town will be shortly shutting its doors to customers after 17 years in business.

Many hundreds - if not thousands - of Hitchin apartments and houses would have an item from this store, with the Bancroft business selling 'unique and individual treasures' for your home, along with hand painted furniture, Annie Sloan Paints and so much more.

Boss Rob Weaver posting on social media said: "The End of an Era.

"After 17 years, five months and 10 days, yesterday I submitted my letter of notice on my shop.

"It's been one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make but with my personal circumstances changing, my son leaving Hitchin Boys' School this summer and with the economic challenges of retail getting harder by the day, the timing seems right.

"I would like to think that over the last 17 years I have brought a little something to Hitchin's High Street, an escape from the mass-produced that you find elsewhere, and I hope that those who have shopped with me have enjoyed what I've offered."