BRIDES-TO-BE will have to look elsewhere for that perfect dress as one of Chippenham’s longest running bridal businesses is due to shut its doors.

Amelia Hanratty, owner of Amelia Classics, is retiring and will close down the bridal dress shop 23 years after it was opened in the town.

Located on The Causeway, the shop has provided dresses for thousands of brides over the years but will open for the final time on August 6.

“I just think the time is right for me, I just want to enjoy life,” said the 56-year-old, of Westmead Lane.

“You hear people work until they drop dead and I don’t want to be like that I want some time to have some fun.

“I want to spend time with my husband, Peter, and our two spaniels, Molly and Grace.

“It’s going to be emotional on the day, I’m trying to be chipper but it will be tough.

“People have been saying it’s so sad that it’s closing it’s always been there but I’m trying to think of it as a good thing.”

Mrs Hanratty moved to Chippenham in 1988 and trained as a textiles teacher before opening her shop in 1993, which has gone on to win various awards including Bridal Retailer of the Year in 2006, and Wedding and Home Regional Retailer of the Year in 2010.

As well as the bridal shop, Mrs Hanratty opened a dedicated menswear shop in 2007 and more recently launched Amelia Classics @53, a prom and bridesmaid dress shop – both of which have now closed.

Former brides at the shop are now being welcomed back to say their final goodbyes with the five members of staff at the store, all of whom have found employment elsewhere.

“Many of the brides have contacted us on Facebook, posted pictures of themselves in the dresses and left lovely responses,” added Mrs Hanratty.

“We’d love for any of our old brides to come in and share a glass of bubbles on the final trading day.

“I couldn’t have done all this without the help of my staff.”