AN INDEPENDENT sandwich shop that has been serving up freshly-made baguettes in an Oxfordshire town centre for more than 20 years has closed.

La Baguette, located in Abingdon's Market Place, shut for the final time on Saturday following the ill health of its owner.

'Devastated' customers took to social media this week, confused why the popular Abingdon shop was calling it a day.

A post about the closure on Facebook page Spotted:Abingdon was inundated with more than 400 responses.

Jennifer M Sawtell wrote: "No way I loved that place even my daughter loved it can't believe it is gone."

Aaron Webb added: "In the day I would ride from Drayton just to get two baguettes. Livid."

Among those who commented was owner Margaret's daughter Sara Salman who explained her mother's reasons.

She wrote: "As some people may or may not know my mum, Margaret has been unwell and is unable to run the shop.

"23 years after setting up La Baguette she has made the hard decision to retire and close the shop. She is so extremely grateful to all the supportive and loyal customers over the years."

She added her mother was planning to come to visit her and her two daughters in Australia for a 'long break'.

Kevin Plummer, who had delivered twice a week to the shop for 14 years, commented: "I can say with my hand on my heart she is one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing"

He added she had gone from a customer to a 'dear friend'.