A DUO are hoping to use years of experience in the wedding industry to good use with their new venture in central Weston.

Natalie Garrard and Jodie Williams have launched Vanilla Beaus Bridal Boutique in Waterloo Street with the aim of bringing high-end wedding dresses to the town.

Both of the partners are well-equipped for the business, having worked in wedding planning and sales.

The business, which was formally launched with a party on July 4, will provide a range of dresses, with some designed by Ian Stuart, five-time winner of the UK bridal wear designer of the year.

The shop’s dresses are available to hire or buy, with its most expensive dress retailing at �4,000, but the shop also has a range of jewellery and shoes to offer.

Miss Garrard, a former Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College student, said: “We have both had years of experience in the wedding industry, and we felt it was time to venture out on our own.

“When it comes to high-end wedding dresses, people from Weston and the surrounding area tend to go to Bristol or further afield to get them.

“We think that there is a gap in the market for a shop for high-end dresses in the town.”