A beloved party shop which has been a staple of life in Southend for generations has announced plans to close. 

Sancto The Party Store, on London Road, Westcliff, is holding a 'retirement closing down sale' with 20 per cent off a whole host of items. 

Bosses have not announced a closing date at this stage, but it is believed the popular shop will close its doors for good once the majority of stock is sold. 

But the store has a whole host of Halloween items in stock, including costumes, accessories, and face paint, and remains open six days a week for the mean time. 

Sancto has been in the party business for over 50 years, and have been based in the Southend area for nearly all that time.

Having purchased the original business in 1953 from founder W.E. Sancto, the business has expanded into one of the largest suppliers in the country for fancy dress and party items.