CORONATION Street lovebirds will help launch a new bridal boutique ­— with all proceeds going to Bury Hospice.

Brides of Bury will officially open on Saturday morning in the Mill Gate shopping centre.

And Sally Carmen (aka Abi Franklin) and Joe Duttine (aka Tim Metcalfe) ­— who are partners in real life ­— will be keeping the romance alive.

The shop will offer a range of new and pre-loved wedding gowns from size six to 24, bridesmaid dresses, mother-of -he bride outfits, shoes and accessories.

The boutique also stocks a wide range of prom dresses as well as formal wear suitable for wedding guests and other special occasions.

Boutique manager Sandra Beverley has more than 30 years of experience in the bridal retail sector and will lead the team in providing exceptional service to customers including bespoke fittings and alterations.

Sandra said: “I am thrilled to be managing this new venture for Bury Hospice and look forward to helping customers find their perfect wedding gown or outfit for that special occasion.

The boutique will officially open at 10.30am. As part of the launch, the boutique is also appealing for donations of high quality, pre-loved, gowns, dresses, shoes and accessories to add to their existing stock.

In recognising the increasing use of online and social media by brides looking to plan their special day, young people wanting to look stunning for their prom night or others just wanting to stand out from the crowd on that special occasion, the Brides of Bury boutique will be using a range of platforms to promote the concept.

These include a new dedicated website, bridesofbury.co.uk; Facebook: BridesofBury; Twitter: @bridesofbury and Instagram: bridesofbury – so people can follow them on their favourite app.

Brides of Bury is the latest retail venture from Bury Hospice with all profits going to support the continued provision and expansion of palliative care services for the local community.

Earlier this month, the hospice expanded its inpatient capacity from six to eight beds and is set to launch additional services both at the hospice’s modern facility and within the community.

Head of clinical services and CEO designate at Bury Hospice, Eloise Burke, said: “Expansion of the services we can offer both patients and their families facing a life limiting illness is the core of our 2019/20 strategic plans. This will involve additional cost but we are working closely with the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group in Bury to maximise their support as well as appealing to our local community to continue supporting our fundraising activities”.

The Brides of Bury boutique will be a key part of the hospice’s retail operations which include a range of shops, ladies boutique, furniture store and donations / distribution centre.

Head of Retail and Trading at Bury Hospice, Sam Duncan, said: “Our retail operations have gone from strength to strength in the past couple of years. They currently contribute about 25 per cent of the income we need to sustain our hospice services and I am sure the Brides of Bury boutique will play a key part in extending our reach in retail innovation within the charity sector.

“I am also extremely grateful for the incredible support we have received from many commercial sponsors, local businesses and those who have generously donated their pre-loved dresses. Without their support the Brides of Bury boutique would not be possible.”