IT IS every true romantic's dilemma. When it is time to ask for your beloved's hand in marriage, how do you make your proposal go one better than the standard fare of flowers, chocolate and champagne?

But 29-year-old James Glover had an idea.

On Friday, February 13, last year, he delivered an early Valentine's surprise to girlfriend Lisa Whitehouse, aged 26.

In fact he delivered himself – wrapped in a giant box and waiting in the reception of Lisa's workplace at Newcastle Children's Centre, in Knutton.

"It was a complete surprise," says Lisa. "I had no inkling about it at all. He'd always said that he would propose when I least expected it and in the most random, unusual way.

"James is very romantic anyway. I always get flowers and if he ever goes away, he leaves me little notes around the house.

"All my work colleagues were in on what James was going to do, although I don't think they knew he was going to propose. They thought it was for Valentine's.

"I got called down to take a phone call in reception and saw a big box standing there. On the front of the box there was a window that said, 'please knock three times' and out popped James's head and arm, holding a single, pink rose.

"Then his mum appeared and everyone emptied into reception from the surrounding offices to watch us. He got down on one knee, while he was still in the box, and asked me to marry him."

Lisa agreed, although James admits the day very nearly didn't go to plan.

"I'd sorted out a huge box the night before and left it in my mum's car, but my dad drove off in it without realising," he says. "I had to find another one which was too big, so I had to cut it down.

"It ended up being a real battle against the clock.

"Lisa's friends at work were expecting me at a certain time and I was texting them to let them know what was going on."

Lisa and James, who works for his family's business, The Farm Shop, in Newcastle, and is also studying to become a primary school teacher, have known each other since high school.

Lisa is a friend of James's sister Melanie.

Lisa says: "James's mum and sister have both said they knew we'd get together at some point.

"We all went out one night to a club in Stoke and ended up seeing each other all day, every day, since then. We've not looked back."

The couple, who live in Mafeking Street, Goms Mill, have chosen a special date for their wedding – October 16.

Due to marry in St Mary's Church, Bucknall – where both sets of their parents also wed – the day marks the sixth anniversary of the start of their relationship.

They are expecting their first child in June, but, despite the hectic year ahead, James believes it is always important to find time for romance.

"Without doubt it's vital," he says. "The day you stop trying, I think it's time to give it in. If you're romantic, it means you haven't forgotten how much you love someone and you don't take them for granted."

Lisa and James have entered a competition at The Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley, to search out the most romantic gestures and stories in the region. The competition runs until Saturday, February 13, and all the entries are available online at the shopping centre's website for people to read.

The winning entry will receive a day spa for two at Hoar Cross Hall and there are runner-up prizes donated by the centre's retailers.

For details, see www.thisisstaf fordshire.co. uk/sentinelle