A Wiltshire couple has lost £1,600 and are now looking for another wedding photographer to take pictures of their big day after a Devon-based company went bust.

Amy Thomas, 40, from Chippenham, is “devasted” after losing £1,600 and a wedding photographer after South West Photo and Film announced it had filed for bankruptcy.

The bride-to-be said: “It is horrendous. Your wedding is an important part of your life.

''When you are trying to be organised and you have saved so hard to have the wedding of your dream and then this happens."

She and her would-be bridegroom have been able to find a new videographer but a still on the search for a photographer to take pictures of their wedding.

Amy said: “We are still looking for a photographer all day and our budget is literally zero because we have saved so hard.

“Unfortunately, because we didn’t want to put the wedding on credit cards, we saved and paid Lee with our debit card."

They are among hundreds of couples who have been left without wedding photos or a photographer for their big day after South West Photo and Film went bust and shut down its website and social media platforms.

The Torquay-based business, previously known as Lee Brewer Photography, said the financial implications of Covid-19 have "proven too much".

It has resulted in many couples - some claiming as many as 800 - across the country desperately searching for a new photographer.

They are also having to find additional money after having paid South West Photo and Film a deposit or the whole balance in full.

Desperate couples have now taken to an online Facebook group, set up by a photographer from Devon and another from Dorset, which hopes to help brides and grooms find alternative photographers for their big day.

It has also become a platform where desperate individuals have shared stories of how they have been let down by South West Photo and Film.

Customers who email the business are being met with an automatic email reply that states: "It is with utmost sadness we would like to inform you that South West Photo and Film, formally Lee Brewer Photography, has ceased trading.

''We will no longer be able to provide any of our services to you at your wedding.

"We have tried so hard the last couple of years to survive the Covid-19 pandemic. The financial implications have proven too much for us to get over.

"Unfortunately, I have been left with no choice but to cease trading and declare bankruptcy as of today, July 27. An official receiver will be in touch with further information.

"NB, if you have had a wedding with us in the last 12 weeks and are still waiting for your photos/ video, we will be in touch over the coming weeks with the information on how you can get access to your photo and video files.

''We appreciate this isn't ideal but we will be in touch with the relevant information asap.

"I apologise as this is going to cause stress and I am extremely sorry for this. Unfortunately, there was never going to be a good time.

"I have listed below a group of recommended photographers, videographers and mirror booth companies who may be able to help on your day.

''Please note these people are in no way affiliated to Southwest Photo and Film and you will be booking them in a completely separate entity."

A help group, Let's Find You Another Wedding Photographer/ Videographer 2022, was created last Wednesday (July 27), and already has over 1,600 members.