AT a time when everyone is trying to scrimp and save, one charity shop has received a timely boost that should have every bride-to-be rushing through its doors.

Craig Robinson

AT a time when everyone is trying to scrimp and save, one charity shop has received a timely boost that should have every bride-to-be rushing through its doors.

The British Red Cross store in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, has been given a generous donation of wonderful brand new wedding dresses.

There are a total of 24 beautiful gowns, including two bridesmaids' dresses.

Designers include Alfred Angelo, Pronuptia Paris, Mon Cheri, Amanda Wyatt and Alfred Sung and shades range from white through to ivory, champagne, cream and soft coffee.

The gorgeous designs feature over-beading, diamante and intricate lacework in styles including off-the-shoulder, on-the-shoulder, halter neck, strapless and two-piece, and most have trains.

They range in size from eight to 20 and the suggested retail prices start at �145, with the most expensive being valued at more than �900.

However, the kind donation will give brides the chance to buy a designer gown at a fraction of the cost.

It is not the first time the charity stores of Woodbridge have benefited from generous benefactors - in February last year a mystery black bin liner turned up on the doorstep of the Oxfam shop containing four pairs of new Jimmy Choo shoes worth more than �2,000.

Sheila Sailsbury, assistant manager at the British Red Cross shop, said: “They are wonderful dresses. I believe they have all come from one shop. We are extremely grateful, it is a marvellous donation.

“They are all up to date designs, they're not something that's been sitting in a shop for a long time.”

“It's now the start of the wedding season and with the current economic climate people may be looking to spend a little less when they get married. I would encourage anyone to come down and take a look.”