LOVE is in the air at a Devizes church which is celebrating National Marriage Week with a history of wedding dresses through time to coincide with the run-up to Valentine's Day.

Taking centre stage at the exhibition at St Peter's Church in Bath Road is an example of a wedding dress from the Louis XVI period but there are also a number of outfits worn by brides from the parish from the 1950s to the present day.

Devizes historical fashion expert Rosemary Hawthorne has also loaned some early dresses from her collection.

Historian John Girvan said: "There are items of traditional weddings including a chimney sweep's brush, lucky horseshoes, a besom brush used to jump the broom stick in bargees' canal weddings and a display from Joan Pressley's famous hat collection."

A collection is being made for church funds and Wiltshire Air Ambulance when people visit throughout National Marriage Week which runs until Monday, February 12. On Sunday there will be a renewal of wedding vows.

The church is open today and tomorrow from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. There will also be a church service at 10am. Refreshments will be available during the exhibition.

The exhibition has been put together by Sue Bailey with the help of other women from the church to mark the special week which is recognised all over the world.

Mr Girvan said: "On opening day a total of 46 bridal dresses were displayed; half were married within the parish. There were many designs and styles from elaborate dresses with long flowing trains to slim sheath white satin dresses creating lots of interest.

"We were overwhelmed with the interest from visitors on the first day. It surpassed our expectations. On entering people were surprised when they saw the just how many bountiful examples of fashion from an 18th century and Victorian examples through to the present day. A dress of green foliage made by Sue greeted visitors outside as they entered the church."

A spokesman for the organisation behind Marriage Week said: "Marriage Week UK celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of marriage as the basis for family life in the UK. It is timed to include Valentine’s Day and has been held every year since 1997. It has attracted the support and attention of a host of political, religious and media figures."