A BURY-based company has come to the rescue of tearful brides-to-be who were left in the lurch with the closure of a bridal shop.

Bailiffs AD Shepherd and Son have stepped in to ensure that the women have been reunited with their wedding dresses following the collapse of The Loft bridal lounge and beauty salon in Bolton. Around 50 females have reclaimed their dresses from the shop which ceased trading last week after running up substantial debts.

On Monday, the Bury-based bailiffs opened up the shop and arranged appointments for 45 women to collect their dresses over the course of two days.

Dorothy Shepherd, of AD Shepherd, said: "In 30 years of working as a bailiff, this is the one job that has touched me the most.

"Returning the dresses has been one of the nicer sides of my work," she added.

Bride-to-be Alison Wakefield (36), who is getting married on Saturday, praised the Bury company after she was able to pick up five bridesmaids' dresses.

"I'm grateful to them. They have been just fantastic and so helpful."