A couple who were due to tie the knot on April 9 have been told their venue was cancelled, after its owners revealed plans to sell up.

Lovestruck Katy Scanlon and Andrew Smith planned to wed at Judges Hotel in Yarm on April 9 this year, fewer than forty days away.

But the couple are now left scrabbling to save their big day after plans for the venue to be sold were revealed.

The venue is yet to officially confirm news of the closure or plans to sell. The D&S has contacted Judges for a comment.

Bride-to-be Katy, 26, who works in a school, said: “I got an email on Friday at about 3pm from the wedding planner at Judges and she said they had to cancel the wedding.Darlington and Stockton Times: Katy Scanlon and Andrew Smith, both 26.Katy Scanlon and Andrew Smith, both 26. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“We were due to have a meeting on February 10 but it was cancelled because the wedding planner was ill.

“I tried to ring on Monday (February 27) morning, but it went to voicemail and haven’t had any reply.

“They said they’ve got a meeting on Friday and they’ll be able to tell us after that about refunds but we’re stuck.

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“We’ve contacted a few venues and they even told us a few who had availability but we can’t really do anything until we’ve got a refund.

“Some of them have quoted £12,000, we can’t afford to book anything without the refund.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: The future of Judge's Country House Hotel in Yarm is the subject of much speculation.The future of Judge's Country House Hotel in Yarm is the subject of much speculation. (Image: TEESPIX)

The Ormesby couple have also purchased dresses, suits and flower girl dresses which they fear may not fit if the wedding is pushed back.

Katy and Domino’s worker Andrew Smith, also 26, family and friends travelling up to Yarm from other parts of the UK.

She added: “We just don’t know what’s happening, it’s been a really hard few days.”

In an email sent by Judges and seen by the D&S, the hotel’s Events Organiser said: “I wish to apologise for the news I am advising you of today.

“Judges Country House Hotel is in the process of being sold to a new company in the coming weeks which means that we will not be able to fulfil your wedding booking with us on Sunday April 9.

“We completely understand that this news will be stressful to hear and we apologise wholeheartedly for the inconvenience this will cause in re-arranging your special day.”