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The wedding dress auction, at Duke's Grove in Dorchester, follows the closure of a bridal shop, after its owner retired.

Inspecting the dresses up close

She had kept much of the stock at home, but as it began to take up more space she decided it was time the collection went under the hammer.

Some of the dresses, all ex-display, were originally on sale for over 拢1,500.

Forty-eight of the dresses were sold - the most expensive went for 拢150, while the cheapest was sold for 拢10.

Bride-to-be Natalie Smith from Dorchester is getting married at the town's Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses this October and paid less than 拢100 for her dress, which had been priced at 拢1,525 when on sale at the bridal shop.

Natalie, who brought her mum with her for a second opinion, said: "There were a couple that my mum and I quite liked but the one that we particularly liked is the one that we were able to buy today.

Sue Mogford with her purchase

"It's a silk dress and we got it for less that 拢100.

"I'm really excited and really pleased."

Sue Mogford was also on the lookout for a bargain - she paid 拢40 for an outfit she plans to wear at a dinner dance.

She says: "It's a beautiful oyster creamy colour - a skirt and a top.

"The top is a cross over halter neck with square sequins on it.

"We usually go to a few dinner dances every year, so I think this will be the next thing I wear."

Bridesmaid or prom dresses

But Sue had originally come to the auction in the hope of getting a wedding dress for daughter's nuptials.

"I did come to look [for a dress] for my daughter, but there was nothing here really suitable that I'd have confidence in buying for her."

The dresses ranged in size from 10 to 20 plus, and included bridesmaids outfits too.

Deborah Doyle, an antiques valuer at the salesroom, said: "The collection of gowns is really exquisite."