Patrick Lennox, of North Lynn, has shopped in the High Street shop for around 11 years and was angry to see it shut for good on Saturday after nearly 16 years.

Customers were told the shop would be closing due to a £14,000 hike in its building rent, but Mr Lennox believes the charity should have found cheaper premises elsewhere to maintain a presence in the town.

He said: "It's a kick in the teeth for the people of Lynn who have supported that charity shop.

"We lose enough in Lynn as it is and to close Scope is not a step in the right direction. I want to know why they could not get a shop in one of the side streets.

"Why would it not be viable when there are lots of empty shops which would probably be cheaper to run?

"The shop has a lot of loyal customers who would keep it going. I feel saddened for the staff who volunteer."

A spokesman for Scope said the shop's acting manager would be transferred to the Norwich branch, while its four staff would be offered volunteering opportunities at other shops.

The nearest Scope shop to Lynn now is Fakenham, around 22 miles away, or Norwich, nearly 50 miles away.

Mr Lennox, of St Edmundsbury Road, added: "Customers in the shop were very annoyed. It's very sad, when you go in its very homely. We will lose the shop and contact with the staff."

Regional manager Jen Brown, said: "It is with huge regret that we have had to shut down the Lynn shop. Scope has looked in depth for other retail opportunities but unfortunately, due to rent increase in the area, there aren't any other suitable options.

"Scope would like to thank shoppers for their custom in the past and wish to inform them that they can continue to donate goods and shop at other Scope shops in Norwich and Fakenham."