MP Mel Stride has praised the decision to scrap the limit of 30 guests at weddings.

Although many of the remaining Covid-related restrictions were postponed by the Prime Minister until July 19, due to the spread of the Delta variant, an exception was made for weddings, which saw the rules change.

While indoor dancing is yet to resume and guests must be served food and drink at their tables, many couples tying the knot breathed a sigh of relief that they could still invite all their guests.

Among several local meetings Mr Stride held in his constituency last week two were with wedding-related businesses in the Teign Valley.

The first, The Great Barn at Higher Ashton, is a wedding venue, and the second, M Welsh Catering, is an award-winning catering company based in Christow.

Speaking after the meetings Mr Stride said: ’We must always remember the impact that restrictions have had, and continue to have, on certain sectors of our economy.

’The local businesses I visited last week were understandably relieved by the changes and considered them a really important step forward.

’With our vaccination programme continuing at pace I am optimistic we will see further restrictions lifted on 19th July, which will benefit even more local businesses.’