A BRIDE left with nowhere to stay before her wedding night has thanked those who rushed to ensure her big day goes off without a hitch.

Abbi Fluen was left devastated when Walworth Castle, close to Darlington, unexpectedly cancelled the rooms she had booked for the night of her wedding today and the evening before.

The Darlington woman and her fiancé, Steven Woodley, booked their wedding at a nearby church and had planned to prepare with friends and family at the hotel and return there following their reception.

Just a week before her big day, Ms Fluen was told that the rooms would no longer be available because another wedding was taking place at the hotel, which prides itself on a “one bride at a time” policy.

The hotel’s management team admitted there had been confusion over Ms Fluen’s bookings but stood by their decision to “fiercely protect” the bride that was getting married on their premises.

After being contacted by The Northern Echo, the hotel took the further step of cancelling all rooms linked to the couple.

As the couple prepared for their wedding today, Ms Fluen and Mr Woodley last night thanked those who rushed to help upon reading about their plight.

They were approached by businesses including Darlington’s Middleton Lodge and the Croft Hotel, with offers of a room for the night.

Ms Fluen said: “We’re now booked into Hollymoor House near Richmond and it looks lovely.

“We’re doing our best to put all the problems with Walworth Castle behind us and we’re not going to let any of this ruin our big day, though we are considering taking further action when we return from our honeymoon.

“It has been fantastic to have so much support from others and goes to show there are companies out there who do care and do have good customer service and kindness.”