WOMEN of Winchester have a new shopping destination as the city’s soon to be only bridal shop officially opened last week.

Brides of Winchester was officially opened by the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Richard Izard, last Wednesday (Jan 19).

The shop, located above Moss Bross in Winchester High Street, came to Winchester in November 2010 for a soft opening period, but is now gearing up for a busy spring and summer season.

More than 50 people turned up for the opening, including several brides on the look out for outfits for their big days.

The shop was giving a helping hand from their tailor neighbours as well as flower shop Blooming Workshop in showing off wedding products.

Michele Urry, one of the partner’s running the shop, said they were very happy with the opening and looking forward to getting down to business.

She said: “We were really pleased with the turn out and basically we were really chuffed. People were flowing in all evening so it was excellent.

“We are definitely optimistic for the future of the shop.”

Ms Urry, who runs the shop with fellow partner Laura Ward, added: “When we opened we knew that it was the end of the year but it gave us the opportunity to set up and get ourselves settled in. We have some fantastic dresses made by UK designers and we try and source locally.”