AN awards-nominated celebrant has something to cheer for in her own right.

Hazel Walsh has spent nearly 12 months perfecting the art of creating just the right wedding ceremony, or the best send-off for loved ones.

And that attention to detail, and a dash of her own bright and bubbly personality, has seen her put forward for Celebrant of the Year honours in the regional finals of the Wedding Industry Awards 2020.

The 33-year-old, who lives in Lower Darwen, decided to take the plunge after losing her job as a council fitness manager.

"I've always loved writing - it's what I've got my degree in - and I always wanted to do it for a living", she said.

"With your training you go through the art of public speaking and all of the proper procedures you need to complete. In the beginning I was advised on how I should conduct myself and it just wasn't working for me.

"I'm the one with the pink and purple hair and the rainbow styles. So I just went with that and started talking to people about what they wanted for ceremonies.

"And now I get a number of recommendations from word of mouth, from people who've seen what I can do. Lots of people are moving away from hotels and halls for weddings."

Hazel, who trades as Sunkissed Ceremonies, finds out if she has won her award tomorrow night at Wigan's Ashfield House.