MECHANIC Chris Heaton and his fiancee Rachel Griffin have a deep seated romance.

Sainsbury's employee Rachel, 18, from Telford Crescent, Leigh, won't ever forget Chris's New Year's Day proposal on Leigh civic square.

That tender moment means so much to them they asked the Council if they could have the bench where Chris, 20, of The Avenue, popped the question!

And the young loves (pictured) returned to the Town Hall square where Council Leader Cllr Peter Smith and Planning chairman Cllr John Hilton were only too pleased to help love blossom.

"We haven't named the day yet but the bench will always remind us of a magic moment," said Rachel.

The cast iron and wooden bench was one of several which have been replaced as part of a £17,000 civic square upgrade.

Cllr Smith told The Journal: "We are only too happy to encourage family values and very pleased we have been able to refurbish the square in Leigh's centenary."

And Cllr Hilton added: "Rather than simply throw away the old seats the Council decided to offer them free to any community groups or charities which were prepared to refurbish them.

"They are being put to good use."PABG

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