A corner shop loved in the community has closed after 35 years after its owners announced their retirements.

Mahendra and Usha Patel, both 62, closed the shop on Friday (February 5) after serving the area since 1981 at Hitesh News, in Pretoria Avenue, Walthamstow.

They will convert their shop, which Mr Patel claims has had three lottery winners, back into a house.

Mr Patel said: “I am going to miss our regular customers, one is over 90-years-old, they are very nice and friendly.

“Many have been saying how upset they are but we will still be living here so they can visit us.

“In a way it is a relief because it is very tough for independent shops now, since Tesco opened it has been difficult for us.

“In our retirement we want to relax a bit and volunteer for charities.”

The Patels, who have two grown up children, are involved in community groups including Friends of Stoneydown Park which is located opposite their shop.

Stoneydown Primary School is just next door too.

Mrs Patel said: “I will miss the children who visit the shop but the community can still come round and see us.

"35 years is a long time and I am happy.”

Pat McManus, of Ritchings Avenue, said she was a regular customer of Hitesh News since it opened.

The 60-year-old said: “The Patels have been like a family to me and many others in the area feel the same.

“Hitesh News is in the heart of the community and it is upsetting that it will not be a shop anymore.

“People cannot park, you can see why it is not a viable business anymore, but we should be protecting independent shops like this because they are so important.

“The Patels held onto the shop for 35 years and that is something.”