FRIENDS of a soon-to-wed Netherton couple have rallied round to help them recoup their losses after the firm booked to supply the finishing touches for their big day folded.

It took Joanne Marsh and her partner Daniel Rhodes two-and-a-half years to save the cash to pay for a wedding cake, catering, flowers, DJ and dance floor through Bake a Cake Catering.

The couple, of Copse Road, paid the Halesowen firm £692.50 to secure the services but were crushed when they found out via Facebook last month that the company had ceased trading.

Miss Marsh, who is a stay-at-home mum and her partner, who works full time at Avanti Kitchens and Bedrooms in Lye, thought they would have to cancel their wedding, set to take place at Dudley Register Office on August 26 next year.

The mum-of-three, who lost 10 stone in 18 months in preparation for her upcoming nuptials, said: "We haven't got the funds to replace everything we have lost but every spare penny is now crucial.

"We got the package half price as it was a cancellation so everything is now going to cost at least twice as much."

But things are now looking up for the couple - a friend set up a GoFundMe page to allow people to donate cash to help cover the cost.

More support came from Bonnies Blooms Florist in Great Barr, who got in touch after hearing about their plight offered to dress their venue - Wilson Hall in Colley Gate - for free.

Miss Marsh, aged 29, said: "We are so grateful for everyone's support, it's been amazing. I can't thank people enough, we've got some great friends.

"We're going through the procedures to try and get a refund and will take it to the small claims court if needs be, we've got to try and get something back."

Lisa Holt, the owner of Bake a Cake Catering has said a series of personal and business problems led to the company's downfall.

A statement on the company website said: "I deeply regret that I could not resolve the situation for the outstanding clients."

Dudley Council’s trading standards team is investigating the issue, while other couple's affected by the business collapse are urged to contact Citizens Advice on 03454 040506.

Anyone who wishes to donate to Miss Marsh and Mr Rhodes' wedding pot can do so via www.gofundme.com/5r2bbwcw.