A former model opened an upmarket bridal boutique in Walton on the Hill with a champagne and celebrity reception at the weekend.

Surrey Comet:

Mel Coleshill, 41, from Canon’s Hill, Old Coulsdon is now a proud full-time mother-of-three, but over the past six months has found time to stock up on high-end wedding dresses in excess of £2,500, and decorate her boutique in Walton Street.

Mrs Coleshill’s friend, the winner of The Sun’s first-ever ‘Page 3 idol’ competition, Nicola Tappenden, was the celebrity guest as Truly Madly Deeply held its grand opening on Saturday, December 5.

Surrey Comet:

Nicola Tappenden (left) with friend Mel Coleshill at the grand opening of Truly Madly Deeply

After a successful opening Mrs Coleshill was delighted to book her first three appointments for dress fittings in the new year.

She said: "There has been a lot of hard work going into it, so it was nice to see it come to fruition.

"It went really, really well, but now the hard work begins."

Surrey Comet:

Mel Coleshill poses alongside one of her beautiful wedding dresses

Mrs Coleshill hopes her shop can fill what she calls a niche in Surrey, and anticipates a busy start to the New Year after more couples get engaged over Christmas.

She said: "In Surrey there is not really a great reputation for bridal shops, so we saw a niche in the market.

"We wanted to open up a boutique so the bride can choose what she wants to wear.

"Hopefully we can bring something different to the area."