An enthusiastic fisherman who achieved his dream of owning an angling business says he is saddened after failing to find someone to take it over when he retires at the end of this month.

Graham East, 65, a former insurance sales manager, started his fishing equipment business in 1998 selling angling gear he wanted to get rid of at a boot fair with his wife, Pauline, 62, in Lord Street car park, Gravesend.

He then set up the Dolphin Angling Centre in Queen Street. He also writes a regular column, The Angling Line, for the Messenger.

More than 18 years later, Graham is closing the last fishing shop in Gravesend after failing to find someone to buy it before he retires at the end of November.

He said: “For any fisherman to own their own shop is their dream. They are dreams not many people get to realise so I have been lucky in that way.

“I won’t miss this. I have had a fair crack and I have done my bit to the angling community in the town but it’s now time to enjoy the final third of my life.

“It’s been hard building the store up. I’m quite sad that it’s not sold.

“I would have liked to have seen it carry on. We would like to leave a legacy.

“It’s been a successful business for many years. Being closed down due to retirement is such a shame.

“The internet is our biggest competitor.

“I have been trying to sell the store for a year. One buyer pulled out at the last moment. I have to take the last option and retire because I can’t sell it.

“My wife has been the main person in this. We have acted like a double act.

“I have made some really good friends over the years and hopefully I will meet them on the beaches in the coming years.

“I want to enjoy the time I have left by having plenty of holidays and get more quality time with the grandchildren.”

The shop is holding a 30% off sale on all products in store until it closes its doors for the final time on Sunday, November 26.