BLUSHING bride Sam Lilley lived every girl's dream when she went shopping for wedding dresses in London's swanky designer boutiques.

Sam, aged 23, from Hollins, Bury, and her fiance Darren Foster, aged 31, from Radcliffe, were voted for by millions of viewers to feature on GMTV's Wedding of 2004 ahead of other engaged couples. Both partners work in Bolton - Sam in Ann Summers, and Darren in a barber's shop.

They will tie the knot live on the ITV1 show on September 3. As part of the prize, viewers are choosing every detail of the couple's special day, from the venue and invitations to the all-important bride's dress.

This week Sam's three short-listed dresses have been featured on the programme, with the nervous bride-to-be finding out the results live on Friday morning.

Sam and her mum Brenda spent a day shopping at three specially-selected bridal outlets in London, trying on all kinds of dress before choosing just one from each shop.

DRESS A: Designed by Pearce II Fionda for Debenhams, this is a ready-to-wear dress with delicate bead embroidery and a long train.

DRESS B: From the studio of award-winning designer Ian Stuart comes a gold, strapless dress with a train.

DRESS C: This is by Donna Salado and is in ivory silk. It has a straight skirt with a fishtail train and beaded shoestring straps, and the lightweight material makes it ideal for a wedding abroad.

Sam said: "I felt like a princess all day. I tried on so many dresses - everything from slim-line ones to big meringues.

"All three are gorgeous, but I did get a special warm feeling for one of the dresses, and I'm so nervous about the results on Friday."

Sam plans to wear her sister Geraldine's veil and tiara on the big day and is in the process of choosing dresses for her three young bridesmaids and matron of honour - her other sister Georgina.

Viewers have already voted for Darren and Sam to marry in Paphos, Cyprus, where they will enjoy a traditional Cypriot wedding. Sam will arrive at the intimate St George's Chapel on horse and cart, and the best man will balance glasses on his head instead of reciting a speech.

Sam said: "I know it sounds corny, but it really is my dream come true. The chapel is absolutely beautiful and I always wanted a horse and cart.

"Darren and I try to chill out, but there is so much to think about and all the excitement is tiring us out!"

All three dresses can be seen in colour at the GMTV website www.gmtv.co.uk where you can vote by clicking on the photograph.

Phone lines and text voting is open tomorrow between 7am and 12pm.

Next week viewers will be choosing Darren's outfit.

To vote -

DRESS A: Call 0901 890 0501 or text VOTE A to 84070

DRESS B: Call 0901 890 0502 or text VOTE B to 84070

DRESS C: Call 0901 890 0503 or text VOTE C to 84070