A HARD-up bride-to-be, who feared she would never be able to afford the wedding dress of her dreams, is now looking forward to a traditional white wedding thanks to kind-hearted BEN readers.

And she says their kindness reduced her to tears.

Marion Taylor, 42, made a heart-felt plea through the BEN last month for the loan of a white wedding dress - big enough to fit her 22/24 size frame.

The mother of seven, from Campbell Street, Farnworth, had made countless trips to local charity shops to search for an affordable second-hand wedding dress. But none of the dresses were big enough.

And Marion was afraid she would have to put plans to marry Mike Henderson, 24, on hold.

Marion and Mike, her boyfriend for seven years, are both unemployed but by shopping in second hand shops Marion managed to get a suit for Mike and dresses for the bridesmaids.

The pastor at Farnworth Evangelical Baptist Church agreed to waive his usual fee for a wedding service and Marion's mum will prepare the reception buffet.

But a fruitless search for a dress meant the wedding seemed set to be postponed. Then BEN readers saved the day in fitting style.

Marion was inundated with offers of dresses and bridesmaid frocks. And now she can walk down the aisle with the traditional 'something borrowed' - her dress, shoes, head-dress, veil and even the bouquet.

And one reader has even hired a wedding car for the couple!

Delighted Marion said today: "I cried because I was so happy and I have the dress of my dreams.

"I just want to thank all the lovely people who offered to lend me their beautiful dresses. I never thought anyone cared, but this response proves that there are some wonderful people out there."

The big day takes place on Saturday, November 9 at Farnworth Evangelical Baptist Church.

"If anyone would care to see me married, they are very welcome," added Marion.

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