A WEST Ealing couple are celebrating after a wedding competition win proved to be a greater surprise than his proposal.

Caitlin Buchler and James Gibbons, who found love after meeting at work four years ago, got engaged after James, 27, took Caitlin to his childhood home of Sherborne in Gloucestershire to pop the question.

But before he got the chance to dazzle his sweetheart, she had rumbled what he was up to.

“I really wasn't expecting it, but unfortunately I found the ring in his backpack when I was packing our things for the trip there,” said Caitlin, 23.

“Many people would think it a great pity that I found it, but I'm pleased because it made me appreciate the whole day much more, and gave me time to prepare for the surprise.”

The couple have two weddings to pay for as following a marriage in Mayfair in August next year, they plan to fly to Caitlin’s homeland South Africa for a reception with her family.

But all their wedding stationery - including invitations, save the date cards and a reception table plan – will be paid for after they got lucky in a social media competition Caitlin spotted on the County Wedding Magazines website, which required them to answer a question on printing company Evonprint.

She said: “I was utterly taken aback when I found out we'd won. I actually danced around the kitchen for a good five minutes before I could even say anything!

“I'd never won anything before, and it really gave me some pleasant motivation to actually get cracking with the planning. I'd been dithering about for weeks.”

The couple thanked Sussex company Evonprint for their helping hand, worth £500.

Managing director Steve Rowland said: “We always enjoy designing and printing wedding material as it’s great to be part of the future bride and groom’s big day.”