A WEDDING attire provider based in Middlewich has won a County Brides North West Weddings award for the second year running.

L & J Formal Hire, run from Livingstone Way by Colin and Helen Akerman, offer consultation, measuring, fitting and delivery services to wedding parties to help take the stress out of their big day.

After winning the Best Menswear award for the first time in 2015, L & J took home the same gong from this year’s ceremony, hosted by the Imperial War Museum on Salford Quays.

Colin said: “We weren’t expecting to win, we just went to have a good time and dress up – something we don’t usually get to do as we are too busy helping set other people up for dos!

“Last year I was gobsmacked, this year we are pleasantly surprised and a little bit in shock. It was a good night as well, we met other companies in the same industry, old friends and new.

“There were other companies on the same table who had been through their categories and not won, so when our name was called they jumped out of their seats and started clapping.

“Middlewich is on the map again.”

Finalists are nominated and voted for by brides and grooms on a number of criteria, and Colin says the company’s personal touch has helped them win the hearts of North West couples.

“The voting is based on quality of service, price and customer relationship, so we must be doing something right.

“We are quite a lot cheaper than a lot of other companies, and if customers want to see us they make an appointment and it’s not like an open shop. It’s all personal.

“The award has given us a bit of recognition. We have been running for 20 years, and a couple of times we have bene nominated but not got into the final. Suddenly we have got there.

“I have met brides and grooms who have seen last year’s award in the Guardian and said congratulations. It definitely helps, and puts the icing on the cake.”