A family has been forced to close their seaside fudge shop after only a year due to rising costs and a lack of footfall. 

Couple Nick Butcher and Amie Airey only opened Makers Fudge in Cromer's Tucker Street in July last year, but said they were left with "no choice by to close". 

The couple ditched their life in Reading to open the fudge shop with their young family, where they could be seen making the fudge through the shop window.

Mr Butcher, who previously worked as an IT consultant, grew up in Norfolk and frequently visited the county while living in the south east.Makers Fudge, in Tucker Street, CromerMakers Fudge, in Tucker Street, Cromer (Image: Adam Barker)

"It is with great sadness that we have closed the Makers Fudge shop," the couple said in a joint statement this week.

"Nick, Amie and family have poured a lot of love and energy into the business and we are hugely proud of our success over the 12 months we were open.

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"We have sold nearly 9,000 slices of fudge, ran 59 fudge-making experiences, made 321 coffees, 118 waffles, collaborated with some amazing local businesses, and made a lot of people smile.

"Due to a change in our own personal circumstances, we have been unable to run the business without us in it, but have also been really been impacted by the cost of living and visitor footfall."

Nick Butcher and Amie Airey with their two children at Makers Fudge in CromerNick Butcher, Amie Airey and their family at Makers Fudge in Cromer (Image: Adam Barker)Nick Butcher making fudge at Makers FudgeNick Butcher making fudge at Makers Fudge (Image: Adam Barker)

They said the rising cost of ingredients, rent, wages and rates all contributed to higher operating costs.

"We have no choice but to close the shop," they said. 

"We intend to continue in the future taking our products online, so we will be back.

"Thank you so much to all our amazing customers for all your support and kindness."