LADY Young, wife of North West Hampshire MP Sir George Young, has launched the Something Old, Something New event at Whitchurch Silk Mill.

The event is a new opportunity for brides to have their wedding dress silk woven at the Mill on historic Hampshire looms and welcomed designers and those interested in accessories from across the country.

Visitors were able to view six modern wedding gowns with historical references, called the Whitchurch Collection, made by Alison Jayne Couture of Northern Ireland and milliner Jane Smith made 1950s style bridal hats to complement the collection of gowns.

Also on display were tiaras, flowers, cakes and invitations. Sharing in the celebrations were Howard Birtwistle, chairman of Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust, Mayor of Whitchurch, Cllr Barry Jackman, borough councillor Alison Wall and Daryl Fraser from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Lady Young said: "I was delighted to launch the exhibition of beautiful wedding dresses made from silk woven at the Whitchurch Silk Mill. As the parents of two daughters my husband and I are thrilled to think that such exquisite silk can be produced in Hampshire.

"The exhibition of wedding dresses will continue at the silk mill during July and is not to be missed."