UP TO 50 couples have lost hundreds of pounds and will not get their wedding or bridesmaid dresses after the closure of a bridal shop.

Janet Pettitt, owner of Special by Design, Railway Road, Darwen, was declared bankrupt last Friday.

The shop was closed as a result and assets were seized by auctioneers Walton and Walton Salesroom, based in Kingsway and Bank Parade, Burnley.

Dresses which had already been made will be given to their owners.

But those whose dresses had not been made face a fight to get any money back.

They are being urged to contact the Insolvency Service Office to register their interests.

Customers affected include Richard Napier, 30, and Eve Whittaker, 24.

They said they ordered their bridesmaid dresses from Mrs Pettitt at a wedding fair last month sponsored by The Lancashire Telegraph.

Mr Napier, from Blackburn, said: "We paid £380 for three dresses.

"I received a letter from the insolvency company which said the court has declared her bankrupt.

"I am devastated but at least our wedding isn't until August next year. I know some people whose weddings are sooner."

The case is being handled by the Insolvency Service Office based in Blackpool.

A petition for the bankruptcy of Mr Pettitt was accepted at Blackburn County Court on November 16.

Edward Walton, owner and auctioneer of Walton and Walton Salesrooms, said: "There was a lot of old stock and certain dresses which were subject for claims.

"The auction is taking place on Tuesday of all the items we have taken."

Anyone who has ordered a dress is welcome to go along to the auction at Walton and Walton in Tuesday to see the dresses on auction.

Mrs Pettitt was unavailable for comment.

Anyone who has placed an order and not received a dress or has not been contacted by the Insolvency Service Office can contact Catherine Janson, officer for the case, on 01253 830 728 to register their interests.