A NEWLY married couple have told of their misery following the collapse of an Internet gift service.

Martin and Kirsten Richardson were married in August at Lower Dinsdale, near Darlington. Many guests had bought wedding presents through online firm The Gift Registry and, when the couple returned from honeymoon last month, they were given a delivery date of this Saturday.

But now, along with 350 other couples, they have been told that the company, based in Chessington, Surrey, has gone into administration with losses of about £300,000.

They were expecting gifts worth a total of about £1,500, but the firm said any guests who had paid for goods it could not deliver should make claims against their credit or debit card company.

Mrs Richardson said: "We're not entirely sure how many people have used credit cards. We're having to write to all of our guests - it's very disappointing."

The Gift Registry became popular as it allowed couples to create wedding lists from a range of stores, including Argos, BHS, Debenhams and Homebase. Up to £4 per item was added to the store prices.