A loved up Sheffield United fan has bagged a new bride to be, after pitching a special proposal to his girlfriend at the home of his footballing heroes.

Paul Waine, 30, from Sheffield, got down on one knee in front of 22,000 people to ask Emily Bush, aged 21, to marry him in a shock romantic gesture.

Emily, also a big Blades fan, was called to the pitch at half time during the game against QPR to accept a fake raffle prize, where she found Paul waiting with a diamond ring and bottle of champagne.

Paul said: "I've been a season ticket holder for years and as Emily is also a big United fan I thought it would be a great idea to propose on the pitch.

"I contacted Sheffield United to see if it would be possible. At first I was going to do it in the club's Platinum Suite, but the staff had the idea of a fake raffle, which meant her number would be called out and she would definitely come to the pitch.

"I was very nervous beforehand, I even had to go and get a drink of water because I felt my throat was closing up. I'm sure I would have been nervous anyway, but in front of thousands of people made it a lot worse.

"We're very happy, although Emily was very shocked - it was a huge relief when she said yes. She said she'd known I'd been up to something for a while, but didn't know what."

Paul and Emily plan to tie the knot in 2012.

Other couples planning to get married can take advantage of Sheffield United's conference and banqueting facilities.

The Bramall Lane club is home to six events suites, perfect for any wedding, whatever the size. For more information, contact the events team on 0871 663 2448.