BRIDE-TO-BE Michelle Hodgson was sparkling with excitement after winning a diamond ring and the chance to propose to her boyfriend on live radio.

The 33-year-old secretary, of Greenside Avenue, Blackburn, won a Century 105 competition to make a leap year marriage proposal yesterday morning to boyfriend of three years, lorry driver Stephen Carter.

She waited to phone Stephen live on air with radio presenters at jewellery shop Prestons of Bolton, who had given £2,000 engagement and wedding rings.

Unsuspecting Stephen, 43, was given a delivery route in the Bolton area by his boss, but plans for the proposal were nearly shattered when his mobile phone developed a fault and he couldn't be contacted.

So while Michelle and the radio presenters sat biting their nails in the Bolton shop, station staff scoured the streets searching for Stephen's van.

He was eventually flashed down and brought into the jewellers where Michelle popped the question and, without hesitation, Stephen said "yes".

Stephen, also of Greenside Avenue, Blackburn, later admitted: "I thought I was being hijacked."

Champagne corks popped and the radio and shop staff cheered as the couple celebrated their engagement.

Picture shows Michelle proposing to Stephen watched by radio DJ Andy Crane (left) and Prestons of Bolton managing director Andrew Duckworth.

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