Love-struck Sammy is romantic Alan's catch of the day!

After months of planning, buoy-friend Alan Miles proposed to his gill-friend of two years, Sammy Clarke, in a way she would never forget.

The pair, from Warblington, went crabbing on the jetty in Emsworth and, as 28-year-old Sammy pulled up the line, a ring came up with it.

As 30-year-old Alan went down on bended knee a boat sailed past with friends holding a big banner declaring, ‘Sammy, will you marry me?’

Fortunately for Alan, the months of planning were worth it because Sammy said yes.

But he was so nervous and Sammy was so shocked the ring ended up on the wrong hand.

Alan said: ‘I’ve been planning it since Christmas.

‘I even missed the Pompey game two weeks ago to buy the ring. And I’m missing it again today.

‘I was extremely nervous and I didn’t notice when Sammy gave me the wrong hand.

‘It was only a cheap ring at the end of the line in case it went wrong. So mum came down with the real one afterwards.

‘So it all worked out in the end.’

Sammy said: ‘Alan and my friends had been being a bit cagey and I wondered what on earth was going on.

‘I couldn’t believe it when it happened. It was all a bit overwhelming.

‘But I said “I do”. It was amazing, just perfect.’

Romantic Alan chose to take Sammy crabbing because it is one of her favourite memories from childhood.

Unbeknown to Sammy all their friends and family were waiting on the quay side and as Alan went down on bended knee a huge cheer erupted.

Alan’s mum Jenny, from Havant Road, Emsworth, said: ‘We thought it was a brilliant idea but were a bit worried because of the weather. Luckily everything went to plan.

‘All their friends and family were there. It was very special.’

And dad Wayne said: ‘It was marvellous. We’re very excited for them both. Sammy is such a bubbly character.

‘I’m sure she’ll make Alan a wonderful wife.’

The whole family went out for lunch afterwards to celebrate the happy occasion.