SHOCKED but overjoyed was how Deborah Coldridge described herself after being named Bury Times Bride of the Year at a spectacular Valentine's Day ceremony.

The bridal extravaganza at the Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall on Sunday reached a nail-biting climax when the 27-year-old office worker (pictured) won the much sought-after title.

"I really could not believe it," said a thrilled Deborah of Robertson Street, Radcliffe. "I really did not expect to get as far as the final, never mind win."

Deborah, who was picked out of the eight finalists by Bury Times readers, was over the moon.

"I am very grateful to all the people who voted for me. All the finalists deserved to win, it is a shame there could only be one winner."

Deborah and her fiance, Mr Colin Barber, have planned a September wedding at St Thomas's Church, Radcliffe - three years after they met at a local nightclub.

"Winning the bride of the year was really the icing on the cake. The prizes are fantastic and are going to make our wedding day very special," said the bride-to be.

Her joy was shared by her delighted parents. Elaine and Gary Benyon of CharterAvenue, Radcliffe, were both in tears.

"We are so proud of her. It was very nerve-racking as we did not know how she would do, we just hoped."

Deborah's prizes included champagne and flowers courtesy of the Bury Times, a £500 dress from Bliss of Bolton, a pearl-necklace from Lepps in Bury, £100 balloon display vouchers from Cheerz, a beauty voucher from Spring Elysium, £300 wedding cake from Slattery's, beauty treatment from Academy Beauty, a framed portrait from Parr Lane Studios, hairstyles for both the bride and bridegroom, pre-wedding consultations from Antony for Hair, a wedding car voucher from Classic Daimler, six-months membership to Classic World Fitness and a hire Buick Electra Convertible from Barry Sansome. All the eight finalists received flowers and champagne from Tesco's.

Before the grand announcement, more than 40 exhibitors at the Bridal Spectacular, sponsored by the Bury Times Newspaper Group, offered brides-to be, their bridegrooms and families ideas and advice about how to organise the perfect wedding day.

The hundreds of visitors were also entertained by the spectacular bridal fashion show, the hair and beauty show, the musical sounds of the band, Buzz Word, and compere Tommy K. The Pimm's tasting stand also proved to be very popular. And the grand raffle raised money for the Marie Curie Cancer charity.

Mrs Moira Taylor of Gorse Bank and her friend Mrs Stephanie Garvey of Howarth Avenue both enjoyed the wide selection on offer.

"We had a wonderful time," said Mrs Taylor. "There was so much to see and it has not only given us ideas about weddings but other occasions as well."

Stall holders too enjoyed showing off their wares.

Mr Don Sinclair of Parr Lane Studios, said: "Bury people are very friendly so it always a pleasure to be at the bridal show. We have had a great deal of interest from the visitors who really seemed to be enjoying themselves."

Mrs Rosemary Liptrott of Bliss of Bolton agreed.

"It has been great fun to do. The bridal show was a hit because the dress is the first piece of the jigsaw and is one of the main attractions."

Organiser, Mrs Julie Wheeler, Bury Times special publications manager, said: "Everyone involved worked very hard to make the event a success."

She added: "They had a great time and we are looking forward to the next one."

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