A GARDEN centre has made a leap into the weddings market.

Traditionally, Crooklands of Dalton has always been popular with people buying plants and garden furniture. But now its function room is being booked out by couples.

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Jules Charnley, wife of Crooklands boss Marc, organises the wedding business.

She said: "People wanting to get married in Dalton or the surrounding villages had started asking us of the room was available so we decided to take the leap.

"I suppose it might seem unusual, having a wedding at a garden centre. But if we've had customers in the shop they've applauded the couple as they arrive."

With its extensive kitchens and function suite, Crooklands says it is able to cater for any requirements, from a buffet to a hog roast.

The room can hold 110 people for a Wedding Breakfast or 220 for an evening celebration.

The company says it has been so successful there are 10 weddings booked in for this year.

The venue, even has an outdoor courtyard area where wedding photographs are taken.

Nicola and Chris Clayton from Clevelands Avenue, Barrow, celebrated their wedding at Crooklands on May 24.

Mrs Clayton, 30, said: "I chose it because it's local and it's so lovely. The room was beautiful."

Mrs Clayton, a hairdresser, and her 32-year-old husband, who is a shipyard welder, were delighted by the organisational help offered by Crooklands.