A ST ALBANS couple got engaged on live radio on Friday morning, with the help of celebrity presenter Jamie Theakston and a £9,000 ring.

Freelance designer Alex Mercer told his girlfriend of 12 years Kelly Harvey he was going to a work meeting in central London on Friday, but instead went to the studios of Heart FM, as he had won a competition offering a platinum, sapphire and diamond engagement ring from jeweller William and Son and the opportunity to propose live on air.

With Heart presenter Jamie Theakston lending support, he called Kelly at work, telling her: “I want you to know that I really, really love you and all I want to do is make you happy forever, so there’s one thing I need to know - Kelly Harvey, will you marry me?”

Kelly accepted and jumped into a waiting car to join Alex at the studios where he put the ring on his fiancee’s finger.

Jamie said: “Bearing in mind the dangers inherent in proposing on the radio, I thought it went remarkably well. Alex was very nervous, so no-one was more relieved than me when Kelly said ‘yes'.

“ We are all thrilled for them and wish them every happiness for their future together.”