HUNDREDS of people with that BIG day on their minds visited the successful Bride of the Year Show.

They flocked to Haydock Park on Sunday to check out the stunning displays of outfits and bridal wear on offer at the Spring Bridal Spectacular, which was sponsored by the Leigh Journal.

The day-long fair featured more than 60 wedding exhibitors offering brides to be, their grooms and their families displays and exhibitions covering every aspect of organising a successful and memorable wedding.

There was plenty of time between the events to browse around and talk to wedding experts in every aspect of the special event.

Organiser Julie Wheeler said: "Spring is a great time to hold this highly successful event because many couples will be thinking towards their traditional spring and summer weddings. But planning for the most special day of your life can be daunting.

"Everyone knows how difficult it can seem. There are so many things to get right and so much to do that it may appear almost insurmountable. But thanks to our bridal show there are many, many couples who have gone away full of brilliant new ideas from the very latest bridal fashions."

And to cap the event, the finalists of the Bride of the Year 2001 nervously waited for the judges to announce the winners as voted for by legions of Leigh Journal readers.

They chose Sharon Floweth, who is due to marry her fiance Roy on April 21 at St Paul's Church in Leigh.

Sharon, of Sovereign Fold Road, Leigh was absolutely thrilled when she won the competition -- by just five votes -- which sees her showered with prizes including a half price bridal gown and a free river cruise for two.

Her total prize list is a dress voucher for 50 per cent off a gown from the new 2001 Collection from Brideswear Reviewed, a 20ins by 16ins canvas framed wall portrait valued at £250 from Vicky Leanne Photography, a headdress from Finishing Touch, a £150 wedding cake voucher from Celebration Cakes by Sonia, the hire of a tiara from Cant Headdresses, a hen party for 20 at the Chicago Rock Cafe in Wigan, bride and groom cut and style plus free session in a solarium for Sharon and Roy prior to the wedding from Studio Renaissance, bride's make up from Color Me Beautiful, a free wedding album with The Wedding Gallery, free groom's outfit for Roy from Cottons Bridal Centre, a £50 voucher towards the flowers from Designer Elegance and a complimentary river cruise for two from Bithells Boats.

Well done to the other competitors Louise Pierce, Tracy Black, Pamela Ellis and Jo Bilsbury -- the Journal post bag was bulging with votes from readers for all the brides-to-be.

However it was not just the Bride of the Year Competition which entertained the crowds.

A parade of stunning models looking radiant in top of the range and affordable outfits in the catwalk show.

On view were scores of sumptuous brides' dresses, as well as bridesmaids outfits with all the trimmings.

For the men, the sharpest and most fetching gents' outfits from kilts, which are increasingly popular, to suits were on parade, along with outfits for pageboys, ushers and the best man.

The range of clothing was provided by Wedding Belles of Tyldesley, Natalie Ann Bridalwear, Brideswear Reviewed and Burtons Menswear.

There were also hair and beauty demonstrations by Hair Pavillion and Colour Me Beautifully.

Along with clothing and make up exhibits, there were displays showing everything from party balloons, travel, photograph, flowers, wedding stationary and cars to wedding videos and even karaoke hire.

Even if you missed this spectacular, there are three other shows this year -- sponsored by The Bolton Evening News and The Bury Times , as well as the Leigh Journal.

These are at Bolholt Country Park in Bury on Sunday, September 16, The Last Drop Village in Bolton on Sunday October 7 and finally the event returns to Haydock Park Racecourse on Sunday October 14.

For any more information contact Julie Wheeler or Sue Sanderson on 0161 764 9421 or Email jwheeler@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk