A BASINGSTOKE woman will have a festive season to celebrate after agreeing to become the future Mrs Christmas.

Stephanie Sewhee, 25, received a shock proposal from her partner Alex Christmas, who went down on one knee at the site of their new home in Sherborne Fields.

The couple were putting their handprints into the foundations of their new-build when 25-year-old Alex suddenly popped the question.

An emotional Stephanie, who works at Reading Football Club, immediately said yes – much to Alex’s relief.

Alex, a customer service representative, from Tadley, said: “We’d talked about getting married and I had always planned to do it when we moved into our new home.

“We’ve paid the deposit at Sherborne Fields so I thought I’d catch Stephanie off guard.

“I booked her half a day off work and took her to see our plot. We were putting our handprints in the concrete, and then I went for it.

“She wondered what I was doing at first and was really surprised. I was pretty sure she’d say yes, but it was still really nerve-racking.”

The team from Persimmon Homes, which is behind the new development, helped Alex to make his surprise possible.

Elaine Stratford, sales and marketing director, said: “Alex approached us with his idea of surprising Stephanie at the site of their new home. We thought it was a lovely idea and were delighted to be able to help him organise it.

“They make a lovely couple and we wish them well as they start the next stage of their lives together.”

The couple, pictured, have been together for four years after meeting at Debenhams, where Alex was a security guard and Stephanie worked on the shop floor.

They have been saving for three years to buy a home of their own, while living with Alex’s parents in Tadley.

The couple are hoping to move into their house at the beginning of next year.

Alex said: “We are so excited. We just can’t wait to take that next step in our lives together.”