THERE have been a few transformations since Jayne Alexander opened her bridal boutique in Harvington.

Not only did it outgrow the home and spill into a double garage extension, but she now is thinking about changing her business name and toying with larger premises.

Pre-loved Bridal Boutique was launched in September 2014 after a gap in the market appeared.

"I was getting married that summer and like a lot of brides I bought a dress and then changed my mind. I found a shop a good 40 minutes' drive away where I could buy the dress I wanted and they took my first purchase off my hands and sold it for me," said Mrs Alexander.

"I thought it was a great idea and put feelers out to see if anyone wanted me to sell their dress and I started the business from there."

It has been a complete change for the Vale woman who trained as an aircraft engineer - she even worked on helicopters flown by the royals - and is now a project manager for the Ministry of Defence three days a week.

The rest of the week is devoted to her bridal gown business.

"Another change I have seen is that the pre-loved element of my stock is reducing and I have more and more sample stock from other bridal shops. The pre-loved dresses probably total only around 20 per cent at the moment. The rest are rather like 'new with tags' that have been tried on but not worn and that's why I may change the business name. I would also like to eventually move the business to a warehouse because I keep getting offered dresses and I can't take any more at the moment."

Her stock, including bridesmaid and prom dresses, as well as outfits for the mother-of-the-bride, totals around 450 items.

A range of accessories, bags and shoes are available too.

Sizes of gown range from four to 32. All the pre-loved dresses have been dry cleaned and are undamaged and her range includes such famous names as Sophia Tolli, Alfred Angelo, Justin Alexander, Hilary Morgan, Mori Lee, San Patrick, Phoenix Gowns, Romantica of Devon and Maggie Sottero.

"The average retail price of my gowns is around £1,400 but I can offer them at an average of £400. Many of them are current season designs too so brides can get a bargain. If any alterations are needed I can recommend a number of places.

Viewings by appointment at www.prelovedbridalboutique.co.uk or 07969 497317.