A SHOPPING spree in California sparked a County Durham woman into opening a bridal boutique.

While staying with friends in the US, Marjorie Nightingale became enchanted by a range of gowns which she snapped up and brought home with her.

"I went on to sell the dresses I had brought back and that gave me the idea and confidence to open my own shop in Durham City," she said.

And this week, Ms Nightingale, from Shinney Row, said she was was already doing steady business in her newly-opened Durham City Bridal shop in The Gates retail complex.

The premises have been designed not only to show off the wide range of bridal gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, prom gowns and formal hats available, but also to provide a comfortable setting for customers making their decisions.

"We will be offering a personal service and we wanted to make sure people feel at ease when they visit our shop,'' said Ms Nightingale.

And while her American trip gave her the inspiration, she said that she had always wanted to open her own shop.

"My daughter got married two years ago, and it was while buying all the things for her wedding that I thought I would really like to be in the bridal business.''

Ms Nightingale is stocking a wide range of gowns for sale from British and US designers, ranging in price from £250 to £1,300.

Hats and accessories, such as fur wraps for winter weddings, and hooped petticoats will be available for hire.

"Opening this shop is the realisation of a dream,'' she said.