A HUSBAND-TO-BE surprised his partner by proposing to her on the doorstep of their new two-bedroom home in South Marston.

Warren Wright shocked Jessica Matthews when he got down on one knee just as they were about to receive the keys to their first home together in Vicarage Gardens.

Jessica said yes - much to the delight of 30-year-old Warren and the Bellway staff watching the happy moment.

The 29-year-old said: "Just getting the keys to our new home was an amazing feeling. We were having photos taken as the site manager handed us our keys and then Warren got down on one knee and I burst out crying in shock.

"I wasn’t expecting it, I could only think about moving in, so struggled to find my words as there was so much to take in, but it was amazing and truly the best day.”

The couple had been living with their parents in Eldene and Purton while they saved up to move out.

Jessica added: “I’ve always wanted a house of my own. We had been looking for about six months before we came across Vicarage Gardens and fell in love with the development.

“Originally we weren’t thinking about buying a new build but it’s great because you move in and everything is done for you.

"The house is clean and it’s a blank canvas for decoration - you can make it your own, which is nice for a first home together.”

The couple face slightly different commutes to work - Jessica at Pets at Home and Warren at BMW - but are already settling into their new home.

Jessica said: “I used to come to South Marston when I was younger and never thought I’d be able to live here but now I do, and I love the area.

“We really love it here and we could never move back. Our neighbours are lovely; we all sent Christmas cards to each other last year and we’re hoping to have a street party together when we’re allowed so we can really get to know everyone.

“The staff and builders around the site are also lovely. Julie, our sales advisor, is always available if we have questions and helped us as much as possible through the house buying process. We can’t fault her. We also always see Tom, the site manager, and say hello."

Jessica said decorating has taken a back seat to planning the wedding but the couple can’t wait to invite friends and family round for the first time.

She added: “At the moment, all we really want to do is have people over, show them around the house and enjoy the garden.”