ROMANTIC Suffolk woman Mary Gilbert has made this Valentine's Day one to remember, by making a leap year proposal of marriage.The 47-year-old bank worker popped the question to her lover-of-one-year, Peter Thompson, through an advert in a newspaper.

ROMANTIC Suffolk woman Mary Gilbert has made this Valentine's Day one to remember, by making a leap year proposal of marriage.

The 47-year-old bank worker popped the question to her lover-of-one-year, Peter Thompson, through an advert in a newspaper.

But as she geared up for the breakfast-time bombshell, she first had to overcome her dislike of Marmite!

She said: "I saw the ad in the paper and, because it's leap year, I thought I'd ask him. If it goes in the paper you know you can't get out of it.

"So I sat down on the stool while he was on the sofa. I explained it was leap year and it was my chance to ask. Then I asked him to read it and he said yes.

"But I think he knew something was going to happen because he put Marmite on his toast. He knows I don't like Marmite, but he still got a big kiss."

Mr Thompson, who works as a freelance driver, was completely taken aback.

The 46-year-old said: "I'm shocked but I knew something was happening. I had heard half of a telephone conversation, but I didn't have a clue this would happen.

"Although I'm shocked, I'm also pleased. I've asked her to marry three times before and she turned me down each time."

It was Evening Star photographer Simon Parker who was their first visitor, delivering the advert, and capturing the moment on camera.

The message said: "Peter, You have fed me, You have cuddled me, You have loved me; Will you marry me and have me love you forever? Love Mary."

Now the couple, who live in Framlingham Road, Badingham, plan to tie the knot later this year.