WHEN Trowbridge resident Barbara Crompton went to a performance by amateur theatre group Trowbridge Players the last thing she expected to see was the wedding dress she wore for her nuptials over 45 years ago.

However, Mrs Compton and her husband Ian instantly recognised the dress, which had been sold shortly after they married, the moment actress Becky Mould walked on stage wearing it.

The couple, who regularly go to watch the local theatre group’s performances at the Arc Theatre, went to watch their production of ‘There Goes the Bride’ last Thursday (April 23).

Mrs Crompton, who lives with her husband in Amouracre, said she initially saw the dress in the programme, but it only hit home that it was her dress when she saw it on stage.

She said: “We bought a programme when we arrived at the theatre and when I saw the dress in it I said to Ian that it looked a lot like the one I wore. Then when Becky came on stage I turned to my husband and said that is my dress.

“After the play, we dashed home and found our wedding pictures and I was convinced. I can’t say for 100 per cent, but I don’t think there would be too many of those dresses about.

“I was thrilled to see it again and it was just as I remembered it, with a long train at the back. I’m sure it is the same size and it gave me great pleasure to see it again. It was quite emotional for both of us and brought a tear to my eye.”

Mrs Crompton said she purchased the Ellis gown in Preston, Lancashire, and wore it on her wedding day in 1969, before selling it on the advice of her mother to fund furniture for their new home.

She said: “I bought the dress from a very fancy shop in Preston for about £100, which was a lot of money in those days. It was an Ellis dress and was ordered in especially in my size.

“After the wedding my mum said it would be a shame if the dress was just packed away and that I should sell it. I sold it to a girl I went to school with and I never expected to see it again.

“We regularly go to performances by the Trowbridge Players as they are always really enjoyable and this one was no exception, but it may have an extra special place in our heart now.”

The dress was obtained by the Players from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire in Frome and once the cast learnt about Mrs Crompton’s story they were keen to see a photo of her in the gown.

Angela Giddings, of Trowbridge Players, said: “I had a letter from Barbara and her husband to say that they thoroughly enjoyed the play and it was even better to see her wedding dress again after 46 years. They also enclosed a photo of them on their wedding day, which I shared with the cast.”