DEBBIE Hobbs has nothing to wear for her wedding day because she bought a dress three sizes too small but has failed to lose three stone to squeeze into it.

Debbie, 32, from West Swindon, is now desperate to sell her stunning size 12 outfit, worth £700, so she can buy something new in size 18.

She said: "I bought the dress with the best intentions of losing weight. But I'm so blissfully happy the excess pounds are refusing to budge."

Debbie is due to marry Paul Harper, 36, on the romantic Greek island of Rhodes in September. And she fears time is running out to find a replacement dress.

"It is an absolute nightmare nothing seems to suit me. At this rate I will be walking down the aisle in shorts and a T-shirt," she added.

Debbie was smitten by the size 12-14 American long cream dress with beaded train and matching gloves when she was out shopping three months ago.

She said: "I was supposed to be buying a pair of trainers, but ended up browsing in the bridal shop. It was love at first sight."

Determined to lose lots of weight for the big day in St Paul's Chapel, Lindos, she bought the dress and began planning her strict slimming programme.

"I have managed to drop three sizes before and was sure I could do it again. I am doing all the right things, but the stones will not disappear," she said.

Despite jogging or swimming every day and eating only healthy meals, her weight loss regime is having little effect. Even being a staunch member of Slimming World is failing to reap rewards.

So Debbie has decided to admit defeat and sell the dress. "It is heartbreaking having to sacrifice the dress of my dreams. But I need the money to buy something more realistic."

Paul, a factory worker at Rover, said: "It is a shame Debs has not managed it, but we are both so contented, nothing can spoil our wedding. All we need now is a new dress."

Family and friends are joining in the race to find a perfect replacement, but so far their dress-seeking efforts have been to no avail. Paul said: "Debs' parents and best friend Suzanne are scouring all the shops. As yet they have not hit lucky."

Anyone who wants to buy Debbie's dream dress or can offer her a more suitable alternative is urged to call her on Swindon 831822.