BRIDES-TO-BE looking to bag a bargain wedding dress can browse the racks of Prospect Hospice’s Penhill charity shop after they opened an exclusive bridal section last week.

Over 150 wedding dresses, tuxedos, prom dresses and other formal occasion wear now take pride of play in the Braydon Court store with staff hoping brides take full advantage of the cut-price frocks.

From wedding veils to tiaras, prom dresses to men’s suits, the shop is selling nearly new, if not brand new, items ranging in sizes six to 24 with dresses ranging from £30 to £200.

Lorraine Beaton, shop manager of the Penhill branch, said: “When I joined as shop manager, we had storage rooms upstairs and after having a dig around, I couldn’t believe the amount of wedding stock we had but nothing was ever done with it before.

"Working with the head of retail of Prospect Hospice, William Whitechurch, we came up with the plan together of opening this new bridal area over two rooms.

“It has taken us a couple of months to get it done but it is up and running and now we want to get the word out about it.”

Since opening last week, interest has slowly grown into what the shop boasts as it is the only Prospect Hospice branch to stock and sell bridal wear.

Those wanting to take a browse through the racks are being encouraged to book and appointment to take full advantage of trying on the gowns.

Lorraine added: “We’ve got some stuff still with tags on, so it is not only things that are second-hand.

“There is quite a big range so we should be able to accommodate to everyone’s budget.”

The Penhill charity shop is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Appointments can be made by calling 01793 704476.