Aisle Alter Hymn provides outfits for gay and lesbian couples planning their big day. The shop, in South Shields, also caters for heterosexual couples but expects its main business to be from same-sex partnerships.

It was opened after the owner spotted a potential gap in the market, then research revealed there were no other UK shops specialising in this service.

The business is aiming to expand overseas, with Benidorm in Spain, which has a large gay population, the next target market, the icNewcastle reported.