A BURY-born woman is trying to research a bizarre story dating back 60 years about starving brides in coffins on Blackpool promenade.

Chrissie Gittings, a poet who now lives in London, is hoping to find out more about the amazing stories of the honeymooners who went off to the coast, and spent their days and nights in coffins and sideshows.

She said: "I first came across the stories when I was researching Ghandi's visit to Lancashire, but the library sent me stories about the brides as well."

It stirred up Chrissie's curiosity and she went on to dig up more about the antics of the newly-weds.

"It was in the 1930s and many were starving. I know one came from Bolton because I have seen a quote from her which said 'I would rather be doing this in Blackpool than starving in Bolton'."

Chrissie has discovered there were three booths on the Prom and two were closed down by the authorities, but one run by a man called Gannon refused to close.

She has appealed for information about Bolton's starving bride. Anyone who can help should contact her on 020-8291-2454, or at 24 Elsinore Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 2SL.