Peggy Taylor of Taylor's Fashions has retired after running a successful business in the town for more than 44 years.

And she is handing over the Market Street premises to her daughter Jan Ralph and granddaughter Nicky Rawnsley, who are turning Taylor's Fashions into a two floor bridal showroom – called Kiss the Bride Bridal Room – which will showcase more than 100 gowns as well as a large selection of tiaras, jewellery and shoes.

Promwear and bridesmaids will also be available.

Peggy, 82, said: "This shop has been my life, open six days a week and buying stock on Sundays.

"I am looking forward to having some time to myself. I am also delighted to be able to give Jan and Nicky the chance to build a new business.

"I know I won't be able to keep away though and I hope all my friends from over the years will still pop in and see me and not be put off by beautiful bridal gowns that are replacing the tops and trousers."

Nicky and Jan have been working out of an upstairs room at Taylor's for the last two years, but decided to branch out when Peggy closed her business.

"I got married two years ago and had the experience of going around lots of bridal rooms and didn't really like the service I received," Nicky said.

"You want to feel like a princess.

"We walked around saying we could do better than that, and make people feel better than I was made to feel."

Customers can pop in and browse around the sample dresses at their leisure without feeling pressured to buy.

There will be stocks of dress samples from size 8 up to 22.
"I think we have found a niche in that respect," Nicky said. "There aren't enough wedding dresses about in larger sizes for women to try on."

Kiss the Bride Bridal Room will open tomorrow, Saturday, at noon, and will celebrate its grand opening by holding a spectacular wedding fair at the Pine Lake resort on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

"With free goody bags for all brides and a huge bridal catwalk at 1.30pm we are hoping to launch the new business in style," said Jan.
The shop's opening hours will remain the same, 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday; however evening appointments are now also available by request.

Anyone wishing to contact Kiss the Bride should contact Jan or Nicky on 01524 730445 or by email kissthebride@btinternet.com.