A BASINGSTOKE woman got a romantic proposal from her real-life Prince Charming during a pantomime performance.

Mark Bullard, 42, surprised girlfriend Sam Tymms when he got down on one knee and proposed to her during a performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Marnel Lodge Care Home, on December 22.

Sam, 28, is a healthcare assistant at the care home in Carter Drive, Popley, and had organised the panto for residents at the home.

The couple, who live in Egerton Drive, Popley, had already got married in the panto’s first viewing for residents three days earlier, and Mark thought this was the perfect opportunity to surprise Disney-fan Sam just in time for Christmas.

The couple instantly hit it off when they met six months ago at the Popinjay pub, in Abbey Road.

Speaking about the proposal, Sam told The Gazette: “I was absolutely shocked and totally surprised. We had been talking about getting engaged, and we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.

“It was lovely because my mum, brother, nieces and nephews were there. It was magical and it was nice to share it with everyone I work with.

“My first words were ‘Are you joking?’ and then I said yes straight away. I have got my very own real-life fairytale. It is the best Christmas we have had since we were kids.”

Speaking about the romantic proposal, Mark added: “It was the perfect opportunity to do it because it was right at the end of the play and we got married, so why not? There is not a better opportunity than that.

“We have been talking about it for a few months and I thought I have got to do it. I was so nervous, but Sam is the right one for me.”

The couple are now planning a fairytale wedding at Chiddingstone Castle, in Kent, in Spring 2016 after telling their friends and family, including Mark’s family in Canning Town, London, over Christmas.