Tickets Travel in Bexley, Kent, has taken on long-standing agency, Clarkes Travel, in nearby Northumberland Heath, after owner David Clarke’s decision to retire after more than 35 years. The name will be kept.

The Clarkes branch was the only remaining of what was once a number of agencies, plus a freight business at a nearby wharf.

Closure seemed the only option before Tickets Travel stepped in. New owner Diane Coleman said the deal was done after Clarkes contacted her about taking over the agency’s forward bookings. “I booked my first holiday there and I used to go to the wine bar opposite,” she said.

The Worldchoice member opened its original shop in 1981. That branch has undergone a revamp inspired by entering and becoming a finalist in TTG and Royal Caribbean International’s recent Royal Makeover competition. “Bexley is probably more of an affluent area, but there are lots of similarities, we are both small independent businesses and service is what we offer,” she said.

She added: “I definitely think there has been a resurgence on the high street. We’re noticing a lot more clients coming to us from further away. You have to work at it and keep at it. We don’t advertise; the key is variety, choice and value.”

Clarkes was an Advantage member, but will now come under Worldchoice. One of two members of staff who had worked with Clarkes for 12 years will remain, while Coleman said she was hoping to persuade the other to return.

Coleman said the timing of the takeover, during peaks and following the Bexley shop’s refurbishment, meant there would be no grand opening “at the moment” and it will continue to trade as normal. There are also plans for the newly acquired store to be given an upgrade.