The wedding trade was one of the hardest hit from the pandemic with couples choosing to postpone their nuptials until coronavirus restrictions allowed for more guests.

This saw businesses and suppliers left with cancelled bookings and handing out refunds at a time when they had no income.

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Jon Hancock, 50, owner of Brides & Grooms of Lincolnshire on Freeman Street said this is now make or break for many involved in the wedding trade.

He said: "We lost all of last year's business and we've basically just been handing out refunds this year.

"We've been absolutely battered by the pandemic and many wedding businesses have had to close.

"It's great to see brides coming back through the doors now though, we've had some people rearrange their weddings five times over and others who have now sadly split from their partner.

"This is hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel."

Jon organises the Lincs Wedding Show which is normally held twice a year at Grimsby Auditorium.

It offers couples a chance to get everything organised for their special day from hairstylists to unusual features like Llamas.

The last time it took place was February 2020. Covid restrictions saw the event planned for last September and February having to be cancelled.

The event is now returning on September 12 to give a boost to the businesses in the wedding sector at a time they need it the most.

Jon said: "We know we're risking a large amount of money, but we feel like it's something we just have to do.

"Our industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and many businesses like ours haven't had a huge amount of support. A lot of people run these businesses from home and didn't have access to some of the business grants from the Government.

"We're hoping the wedding fair can give people a chance to get back on their feet.

The event, on September 12, has 86 businesses booked in so far.

Jon said: "We need people to see that it's alright now to start organising their weddings again.

"We're looking for the positives again and looking for a reason to celebrate.