Early Christmas present for couple after marriage proposal at Bolton's Winter Festival

Christina Livesley received the ultimate Christmas present from her boyfriend David Batey after he got down on bended knee inside the winter festival tipi in Victoria Square.

The couple — both aged 23 — have been dating for a year and are now looking forward to tying the knot.

Ms Livesley, from Horwich, was tearful as she said yes to her new fiancée.

She said: “I am just so shocked — I thought he was giving me a pair of earrings at first.

She added: “We were in town and then David insisted that we came into the tipi for a drink — I couldn’t believe it when he got down on one knee, this is the best Christmas present I could have asked for.”

Mr Batey, from Manchester, said he had been planning the move for some time and was relieved to receive a resounding yes.

He said: “I thought this would be a really nice place to do it — it’s a nice atmosphere.

“I was really nervous before I did it, but I was quite confident that she would say yes and I’m very happy that she did.”

Mr Batey had hoped the secluded corner of the tipi would allow him to make the proposal privately — but he had no such luck.

He said: “I thought I had done it quietly — I didn’t expect the local newspaper to come down.”

The pair were also treated to a celebratory bottle of bubbly from Bolton Council, which they used to toast their good news.

It promises to be a big year for the young couple — who are also planning to move in together and will also be throwing a big party to celebrate.

But when it comes to planning for the wedding, they both know who will be in charge.

Ms Livesley said: “That will be me— I have already got plenty of ideas.”

Mr Batey added: “I think I will just do what I am told.”