A bridal shop in Dover has joined a campaign that warns people against buying copies of designer wedding gowns.

Country Brides of Faversham, in Castle Street, lent a fake designer gown to Brides Beware, which has had stands at the UK and national wedding shows over the past three months.

Accompanied with the fake was the real version, both of which were branded Mori Lee.

The awareness group highlights the dangers of online companies selling copied wedding garments. On Facebook the campaigners are a national hit, scooping more than 8,000 likes.

Brides take to the social media page to ask about legitimate sellers and for advice on where to go.

Store manager Jenni Sutton said: “We help around four brides a month who have purchased fake gowns from websites like eBay or similar places.

“Photographs of stunning dresses are often stolen from genuine dress designers, and then used on websites so they look legitimate.

“It adds so much stress to the situation when they thought they were getting a bargain and the order online fails to meet their expectations in regards to material, structure or finishes.

“Its not just brides who fall into this trap, with bridesmaid and prom dresses increasingly being brought from fake suppliers.”

Country Brides said it stocks its goods from Eternity, Cara Mia ranges and Art Couture.

Miss Sutton added: “Its not a cheap mistake to make when budgets are already stretched.

“Some gowns have been delivered and then getting charged import tax, have made bill totals nearly triple the price.”

Brides Beware thanked the store on Facebook: “A big thank you to Jen Sutton of Country Brides for lending her Mori Lee fake and real dress for the Brides Beware stand.”

Read the full report in this week's Dover Mercury, out tomorrow.