Burnham-on-Sea man proposes to girlfriend with help from lifeboat crew

A man from Burnham-on-Sea made a unique proposal to his girlfriend - with the help of a lifeboat crew. The couple were walking along Burnham-on-Sea beach on Sunday when a boat appeared on the waves with the message "Marry me, Kelly?".

RNLI deputy press officer Lyndon made the romantic gesture at the weekend. And Kelly, who has been dating fiancé Lyndon for almost 20 years, said yes.

Lyndon had spent weeks planning the big moment with crews from Burnham RNLI where he volunteers. As well as the RNLI crew, Lyndon also roped in family members to ensure the bride-to-be did not suspect anything.

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Speaking to the BBC, RNLI volunteer and banner-holder Mark Smith said: "I've never seen anything like it in the 14 years I've been there. She was quite overwhelmed."

Lyndon, also speaking to the BBC, explained: "Kelly was struggling to read the banner. She realised it was for her by which point I was on one knee and asking her the question, which she was, I think, pleasantly surprised."

The proposal was just one magical part of an action-packed day for the volunteers: they had just returned from training in Weston-Super-Mare. Supporters of Burnham-on-Sea's RNLI crew were overjoyed by the news.

One person wrote on Facebook: "So incredibly proud, overwhelmingly happy for you both." Another wrote: "Well done to all involved in assisting with such a unique proposal".

The RNLI is a charity run largely by volunteers. You can support them by donating, or find out more about volunteering.