A bride-to-be says she is devastated after her dream wedding reception was cancelled because the venue has been sold.

Ashley Beveridge had planned to celebrate her marriage to Lawrence Armitage at The Roffen, in Rochester, in May.

But she then received an email saying the sit-down meal and party was off because the club will shut at the end of March.

Their deposit has been returned and they are desperately looking for an alternative.

But as they work in the entertainment business, they do not have time off to view other venues until after Christmas.

The 35-year-old Rainham resident said: “I felt sick and have not stopped crying. We had set our heart on The Roffen.

“It was ideal. We have been there three times and sorted virtually everything, the seating and menus.

“We had only the photographer and travel to organise.”

Ashley and Lawrence, 26, who met at The Panic Room, Gravesend, where they work, had chosen the club, in New Road, because it suited their budget.

Ashley said: “We have been saving and putting money into a separate account every month.

“We now have to start from scratch and may have to pay out more.”

Brian Henslow, who has run The Roffen with wife Sara for 32 years, said: “Once we knew the club was going to close we had to work really hard on a plan to prevent the news getting on social media before we could inform the people who matter most.

“That gave us just time to post out personal letters first class on the Monday evening to each wedding and function client, returning their deposit cheques.

“We backed that up overnight with personal emails to all our wedding clients most affected with events between April and August.

“We have now got two managers working full-time on liaising with all the local wedding and party venues so we can help all our clients relocate.

“Our main point of contact is Karen on 07493 526804 or kdpetrie71@gmail.com

“Karen will be happy to help and advise on anything to do with any of our bookings that have been affected.

“We are sending another email to clients with an update on which venues have availability.”

The Roffen has been bought by the owners of the nearby Trinity School and College.