IT was a marriage made in heaven as a successful bridal wear firm linked with Lancashire economic development chiefs and received a further boost to the business.

The Design Room, based in Rawtenstall and run by directors Roberta Parsons and Sarah Stalker, last year received £15,000 from Lancashire County Enterprises Ltd through its Rosebud Fund.

The cash enabled the company to relocate its manufacturing and wholesale business to new premises.

Now the county council's economic development arm has renewed its vows to help the firm - with a £5,000 cheque to provide essential working capital to support the company in its growth and further development.

Said Design Room director Sarah: "This investment will ensure the continued growth of our business, we attract clients from the length and breadth of Great Britain, as our exclusive gowns are available in 32 stockists across the country."

Lancashire county sees the support of small to medium sized firms as essential to the prosperity of the region and deputy council leader Frank McKenna said: "Companies like the Design Room represent a key element of Lancashire's economy.

"We are delighted to support local people and invest in their skills and enthusiasm."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.