It has been a fixture on the A149 coast road in north Norfolk for decades, and thousands of people will have driven by its prominent, green frontage.

But the Kit Bag shop in East Runton, near Cromer, is closing down.

The owners have lodged a change of use application, from shop to residential, with North Norfolk District Council.

A design and access statement submitted with the plans says it has been an army surplus shop for 27 years.

The statement said: 'The shop cannot now compete against the likes of Mountain Warehouse and Trespass along with the internet and a dearth of army surplus material. It is uneconomical and the losses cannot be sustained and it has to close.'

The building is 20th century but it is believed it may have replaced a terrace of cottages.

It was previously a residence, a greengrocer's and then an ironmonger's.