BRIDAL gown maker Rosina Brown and her daughter Jackie Doran have been voted the best in the North East by their customers.

Brown, who opened shops in Stocksfield and Hexham after years spent making costumes for competitors on the BBC favourite Come Dancing, was recognised for her customer service at the first North of England Wedding Awards.

“It means a lot to us because there’s so much competition these days and this was voted for by our customers,” she said.

Hundreds of firms, ranging from cake makers to photographers entered the awards and the winners were announced at a dinner at Beamish Hall County House Hotel.

Organisers Liz and Tim Clark, of the Wedding Guide for the North East and Yorkshire, said: “Brides and grooms are looking for something special, for the company that goes the extra mile to help deliver a truly amazing wedding day.”

The winners were:

Stationery - Graphic Embers (Morpeth)

Cakes & Sweet Treats - Kelly Ann’s Cakes (Houghton-le-Spring)

Catering Company - CWC Malings Ltd (Catterick)

Health & Beauty Provider - Make-Up by J (Darlington)

Floristry - Fern (Morpeth)

Bridal Party & Accessories Retailer - Rosina Brown Bridal (Stocksfield & Hexham)

Bridal Gown Retailer - Rosina Brown Bridal (Stocksfield & Hexham)

Wedding Transport Provider - Webb’s Special Occasion Cars (Hexham)

Wedding Enhancements - Dandy Events (Newcastle)

Music & Entertainment - Alexander Lomas (Newcastle)

Wedding Services - North East Wedding Planners (Chester-le-Street)

Videography - One Digital Image (Prudhoe)

Photography - Figment Studios (Gateshead)

Venue: Beamish Hall (Beamish) and Longhirst Hall (Morpeth)

Judges Choice Award - Beckwith Events (Seaham)

New Business Award - Pansy Potters (Newcastle)

New Business Runner-Up - The Wooden Ladybird Company (Rowlands Gill)