Elenor Rose Bridal's former owner Lynette Blythe has finally spoken out after her shop closed suddenly, leaving dozens of brides panicking.

A spokeswoman acting on behalf of Mrs Blythe contacted the Examiner today (Tues)to speak on her behalf - and claims she deserves sympathy and not attacking for letting brides down.

She says Mrs Blythe walked away from the business with nothing last Sunday and has not run off with their money.

The spokeswoman said Mrs Blythe's husband Wes resigned her as a company director on Friday after she was rushed to hospital with chest pains - and then the business was signed over to a partner.

She said: "She is devastated this has happened.

"She has suffered for a long time with her mental health and tried to take her own life last year.

Lynette Blythe at Elenor Rose Bridal, Westbourne Road, Marsh, Huddersfield.

"She couldn't be at the shop when she was poorly and the business has suffered.

"On Friday she was rushed into hospital with chest pains and they found a blood clot.

"Her husband said enough is enough and resigned her as a director on Companies House."

Dozens of angry and upset brides-to-be contacted the Examiner yesterday to report the sudden closure of the shop, which had appeared on BBC3's Don't Tell The Bride just days earlier.

One worried bride who contacted the Examiner said she knew of one panicked woman who is due to get wed on Saturday and now has no gown.

Joe Wardle and his fiancee Siobhan Spencer

Another affected couple is Siobhan Spencer and ex Giants star Joe Wardle, who told the Examiner their story.

Distraught customers on Facebook reported handing over thousands, only to be left with nothing.

But the spokeswoman said Lynette had signed the business over to her partner and left empty handed.

She said: "It seems to come across that she's just left with people's money and has screwed people over.

"It's not a decision she wanted to happen - it was her husband who asked her to walk away.

The spokeswoman said Mrs Blythe deserves sympathy.

She said she was now too scared to stay in the area because angry customers had been turning up to her house and shouting.

The spokeswoman said: "She is not a malicious person and it's frightening her.

"She has made some mistakes but she is a good person.

"Lynette has suffered from numerous mental and physical health issues following the loss of Elenor, her four day old baby daughter who the shop is named after, and brother Mike just two years ago.

Award for Lynette Blythe of Elenor Rose bridal shop, Wakefield Road, Waterloo, Huddersfield.

"She is the most family oriented person - it means so much more to her than money.

"Her family has put a lot of money into the shop - she hasn't taken a wage for a long time.

"She is now more ill than ever, stressed, devastated and scared. Brides and people have been turning up at the house - please respect she is unwell and leave her alone.

"The problem is with the company not Lynette personally. She's entrusted her business partner to deal with it."

Lynette Blythe at Elenor Rose Bridal, Westbourne Road, Marsh, Huddersfield.

Companies House shows that Lynette Blythe ceased to be a director at the firm on 14 September. The form is signed by administrators and liquidators.

The spokeswoman said Mrs Blythe was unable to give any reassurances to any brides that they would be able to pick up their dresses or get a refund.

She said: "There is a heck of a lot of stock in the shop. Hopefully the brides will be able to get their money back."

On the Elenor Rose Bridal Facebook page, customers have been advised to call 07424 879514‬ with any dress queries.

A message posted yesterday says: "This is not Lynette. We are trying to help people with their orders and are attempting to solve the situation. Please bear with us."

Many responded saying it seemed that those still at the business were doing all they could to help brides.

Carrie Kelly replied: "I received a call last night stating they have my dress... I’ve been and collected it! I must stress how helpful these guys are been, picking up the pieces that horrible woman has left!! They are trying their hardest to go through all the orders, they have dresses with no details on. I can not thank the guys enough for helping out. They don’t have to do this, it’s nothing to do with them but are willing to help the best they can! Xxx"

Lynette Blythe at Elenor Rose Bridal, Westbourne Road, Marsh, Huddersfield.

Meanwhile Trading Standards confirmed today it is investigating the closure of the shop.

It urged customers of the shop in Westbourne Road to call the Citizens Advice Helpline on 03454 040506 for help and assistance.

It has also advised customers who paid using a credit or debit card to contact their card provider if they have suffered a financial loss.

However anyone who has paid in cash might not be able to claim the money back.

Trading Standards said: "For consumers who have paid in cash, the outlook may not be so favourable if the business has permanently ceased trading and is insolvent."

Since the Examiner reported the shop's closure yesterday, kind hearted women have been offering their own wedding dresses to brides-to-be left in the lurch.

And Jodie Thomas also set up a Facebook group entitled 'Brides in Need shall be a bride indeed' to help distraught customers borrow dresses from women who have already walked down the aisle. More than 200 women have already joined the group.