ENGAGED couples from all over the North-west came to the Bolton Evening News's first bridal fair of 2004.

Nearly 2,000 people attended the fair at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Manchester Road, Blackrod, which featured stalls covering everything from flowers to photographers, and wedding dresses to receptions.

Organisers put the large numbers down to the number of grooms-to-be who popped the question over Christmas.

Two catwalk shows were held and local companies such as Bolton make-up studio Making Faces demonstrated their skills. Julie Wheeler, events manager for the Bolton Evening News and Bury Times, said: "It was a one-stop wedding experience where couples could plan their perfect day."