SOON-to-be brides and grooms will have a venue all to themselves for Clacton's largest independent wedding fayre next month.

Perfectly timed on Sunday, February 19 - the weekend after Valentine's Day - organiser Michelle Allwright is excited to be hosting her first ever wedding event, which she began planning in Autumn last year.

More than 70 specialist stalls will be in residence at Clacton Leisure Centre to inspire couples in the midst of planning their special day.

Event planner Mrs Allwright, of Frinton, wanted the fayre to be a one-stop wedding shop and has invited entertainers, florists, caterers, beauticians and jewellers as well as other Tendring-wide businesses to attend.

Agents from Co-op Travel will be offering expert advise for those thinking of marrying abroad or who want help picking a honeymoon destination.

At 11.30am and 2pm, Clacton's Lacey's Bridal Boutique and Beautiful Brides will be modelling their latest women's and menswear collections in an hourly fashion show.

There will also be a free prize draw for guests and the first 200 people will receive a copy of Essex Bridal magazine.

Mrs Allwright, 44, is hoping for a great attendance which means it can become an annual affair.

She said: "Across the board it's a hard time for businesses so by promoting local companies, hopefully it will stop buyers from going outside of Clacton and we can target people from outside the town as well.

"And I thrive doing it. In my previous job I used to manage teams of 50 people so I'm very organised and love this line of work.

"Now I have seven-year-old twins, I do this part-time."

Cancer Research UK will also continue to benefit from Mrs Allwright's passionate fundraising which has so far raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

They will have a stand promoting their wedding favours at the event and a collection box for public donations.

The Wedding Fayre will take place between 10am and 4pm at Vista Road in Clacton.