The Bridal Centre, St John's Hill, Stamford, has ceased trading, according to Matthew Cooper of CJM Asset Management of Scunthorpe, which is acting as agents of the soon-to-be-appointed liquidator.

"Completed dresses that have been paid for are being delivered to customers," he said, "but I am not sure of the situation with those that have been paid for but are still being made.

"I am getting a list of customers and will be contacting them, but they can also contact me on 01724 334411 or 07899 951334.

"There is a chance some people might lose out but it's my job to minimise that," he said

Mr Cooper said that he had spoken to most of the dress manufacturers who supplied the Bridal Centre.

"They are being sympathetic," he said. "When we get details of the customers, we will pass them on to the manufacturers who will contact the customers directly.

"After all, no-one wants to spoil the big day for people who have ordered their dresses," he said.

Are you a bride who is concerned about your dress? Contact the newsroom on 01780 750436 or e-mail smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk

The Bridal Centre was founded in 1997 in Market Deeping, and moved to Deeping St James in 2004.

A fire wrecked the store in August 2007 but owner Hannah Clemence re-opened the shop in Stamford in January this year.

It was one of four shops in Bridge Street that had to be demolished after the blaze but site owner and businessman Terry Wright has been given permission to re-build them.

Mr Cooper said the centre was the latest in a growing tide of casualties of the credit crunch.

"We deal with a lot of insolvencies," he said. "We are only a small practice but we are dealing with about eight insolvencies a week.

He announced plans to hold a tender auction sale of the shop's remaining stock.

"People will be able to look at the dresses, try them on and leave a bid," he said.

There were around 50 wedding dresses and 80 bridesmaids' dresses, including some from upmarket designers like Maggie Settero and Essense.