BRIDES are being given a second chance to wear their wedding dresses in aid of charity.

Women from all over the region are invited to the North West Air Ambulance fundraiser at Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn.

Mustoe and Knowles Bridal Couture of Clitheroe is hosting the Bridal Ball on October 21, open to anyone willing to dust down their wedding attire for one night.

Women can either wear their wedding dresses or their bridesmaid dresses.

Menwhile men can wear their wedding suits or a black tie dinner suit.

A champagne reception from 7.30pm will launch the charity event followed by a four-course meal, an auction and a disco.

The auction lots have yet to be confirmed but are set to include jewellery, golf equipment, pamper days and hotel packages.

Lynda Brislin charity chief executive of the NWAA said: "We're delighted that Mustoe and Knowles Bridal Couture is supporting the vital service we provide in the North West.

"The Bridal Ball is such a great idea for the ladies to dust off their wedding dresses and have another chance to dress up in all of their wedding finery.

"As a registered charity we receive no mainstream funding so we rely solely on the generosity of the region's residents and businesses to fund the service.

"I'm sure it will be a special evening for all involved."

Earlier this year the charity made a desperate appeal for cash after the annual running costs of the helicopter, launched last December, increased by £300,000 to £1.3m.

The craft, which now takes just eight minutes to the nearest appropriate hospital, is called out up to 10 times per day in the summer across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria.

Denise Mustoe, of Mustoe and Knowles Bridal Couture, added: "We live and work in the North West and therefore can fully appreciate the crucial work that the NWAA do every day.

"They were the obvious choice to benefit from our bridal ball."

Tickets are £35 per person and must be booked in advance by contacting Mustoe and Knowles Bridal Couture on 01200 429666.

Tables seat up to 10 people.