LOVE is in the air in Cwmbran shopping centre after a couple made history by becoming the first couple to get engaged in Gwent Square.

Ian Burgess, 35, popped the question to girlfriend Jenni Thomas, 28, today surrounded by their friends and family.

Far from being a surprise, it was actually the bride-to-be who won the Cwmbran Shopping competition on Wednesday, before informing her boyfriend that he would be publicly proposing on Valentine's Day.

The couple, who live together in Hafodyrynys, met online two and a half years ago and have been busy saving for their dream wedding.

As part of the Perfect Proposal competition, the couple bagged a diamond ring from Paul Gentile Jewellers, a meal at Frankie and Benny’s, a bouquet of flowers from Maria’s Flowers and a bridal makeover courtesy of Clinique at House of Fraser.

Miss Thomas, a primary school teacher, said: "I had to ring him and say I'd won this competition and you're going to have to propose on Saturday. He was very calm actually, calmer than me.

"In my entry, I wrote something along the lines of that we've been saving for the wedding and it would be good if I got to choose the ring.

"We have been talking about it for a while, it wasn't a complete surprise to him, it was just getting round to it."

The couple, who moved in together 18 months ago, are hoping to get married in Easter 2016.

Miss Thomas added: "It was instant friendship straight away. He'd do anything for me but he's not very romantic, he would never have proposed in front of people like this."

Mr Burgess, an environmental health officer, said: "It [the proposal] wouldn't be my style. I'm not really a public display of affection kind of person.

"It took the pressure off a little as I knew she wouldn't say no."

Of his future wife, Mr Burgess said: "She makes me happy, she's gorgeous, I couldn't imagine life without her."

His mum Sue Burgess said the family were excited about the wedding next year, adding: "I'm very pleased, we like Jenni very much, they're definitely a good match and she has been really good for Ian.

"As his mum, I'm surprised that Ian can be so romantic!"