University staff in Carlisle have helped a graduate spring a surprise proposal.

Tom Foy, 25, popped the question to girlfriend Becky Butcher in the halls of residence room where they first met six years ago.

Tom contacted accommodation officers Jan Carruthers and Kirsty Mills months before a planned break for Becky's birthday.

He arranged to get into her old room in the Carrock halls on the Fusehill Street campus and decorate it before bringing in Becky blindfolded.

Tom said: "I knew she’d work out what was going on if she saw where we were going.

"I guided her into the room, which I’d decorated with fairy lights, a light box, music and an iPad playing a montage of our photos.

"The second she took off her blindfold, she knew what was happening. I said a few words then I got down on one knee."

Becky, 24, said: "I was so surprised when Tom removed the blindfold and we were stood in my old accommodation but I couldn’t have thought of anywhere more perfect to be proposed to than where we first met."

The pair got together during their first year at the campus in 2011. Tom was studying sports development and coaching and Becky was doing a degree in policing, criminology and investigation.

They now live in Yorkshire. Tom works for Doncaster Rovers Football Club and Becky is a care officer with Victim Support.

Tom contacted Jan Carruthers, the accommodation officer at the university’s halls of residence to arrange access to the room in the months prior to the proposal.

She said: It was certainly a first. However, I love surprises and was immediately on board with Tom’s request.

"Together with Kirsty, we made sure the flat was presentable and offered help dressing the room.

"However, Tom was very organised so we made sure the coast was clear when he arrived with Becky blindfolded.

"We had a card and a bottle of fizz ready for them should Becky say ‘yes’!

"Of course, a very relieved Tom came back to tell us she had.

"It was so exciting to play a small part in their special day and it is lovely to see how happy and successful they have both gone on to be since leaving university."

Tom and Becky have no immediate plans to get married.