PEOPLE working from home during covid and the cost-of-living crisis have forced the closure of a city sandwich shop.

Buddy’s on The Tything in Worcester has served its last sandwich as the owners announced it would be permanently shutting today (Thursday).

The decision comes following a difficult couple of years for the hospitality industry.

Owner Edward Currill, who has owned the shop for almost a decade, said: “It's with a heavy heart and much deliberation that sadly we have decided to close Buddy’s

“After seven years of hard graft, the past two years has provided us with some serious hurdles.”

On the effect of Covid lockdowns, he added: “Forcing us to close for several weeks at a time, then encouraging people to continue to work from home; which we know has helped many but has had the adverse effect on small businesses like ours.

“And although we managed to hold on by the skin of our teeth it has been a real struggle.”

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Mr Currill said: “We know this is having a huge impact on many - resulting in us changing our lifestyles and having to count the pennies more than ever.

“Because of this, the price rises are having a huge impact on the prices of our products which sadly is the final nail in the Buddy’s coffin.

“Unless we start charging you guys' extortionate amounts to keep us afloat then this is the only possible outcome.”

The Facebook post finished by thanking Buddy’s “loyal” customers.

It read: “Without you guys we wouldn't have lasted five minutes. You have all been amazing.

“We have met some amazing people, made some true friends along the way and met some very ‘interesting’ people too.

“It's true what they say ‘You don't know how odd some people are until you work with the public’ and that has to be the truest statement we have ever heard!

“It has been a real pleasure to have served you the past seven years.”

As the sandwich shop shut its doors for good, customers shared their sadness.

One said: "I am so gutted that I couldn’t make it in today! I will miss your spuds so much and you two of course! Good luck for your next adventure."

Another added: "This makes my heart sad for many reasons. You did an amazing job guys."