WITH Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air for a couple who met while studying at the Padgate Campus of the University of Chester.

Sanjay Kurian popped the question to Jayde Knox during a weekend reunion in the exact room in the hall of residence (Newton) where they originally met 10 years ago during Freshers’ Week.

The couple were visiting the campus, on Crab Lane, with a group of university friends when Sanjay, 30, from Shrewsbury swept Jayde, 28, from Royton, near Oldham, off her feet with his romantic gesture.

He had already been in contact with the university, their families and friends to plan the perfect proposal.

Sanjay, who works as a HR officer, said: “It was literally 10 years to the day we met and I used my friend’s birthday as a reason to get us to the university. I then contacted all our friends and family to make sure they were there.

“When we got to the campus, I convinced her to walk with me to her room where we had met. I proposed with the ring she has always wanted and I had it made for her.”

Jayde, who is a dispensing optician manager, added: “I was crying that much I couldn't see properly as he put the ring on my finger and he asked if I liked it. I said I loved it – it turns out he had been taking notes over the years for the exact ring I wanted. It was perfect.

“We headed down to the Students’ Union bar, on the way he told me he hadn't asked my parents for permission and that I should call them – I did.”

Sanjay's family then popped out from behind and congratulated the couple and Jayde was ushered into the last room where her friends and family jumped out to surprise her.

The next morning, Sanjay woke Jayde to tell her they were off later that day for a four-day break to Spain, to the destination of their first holiday together.

Jayde said: “I told him I didn't have the time off work because he didn't tell me I needed to book it, but he had already been in touch with the director of my store and booked it off for me in secret!”

The couple plan to get married on September 21, 2019.

Sanjay added that the Warrington Campus was the perfect place for the couple to get engaged and thanked all the staff who made sure the rooms were available and helped with his surprise.

He added: “All my fondest memories are with the friends I made at university. We had some of our best times living and working with our friends, all of which we are both still in touch with and many of whom came to the engagement.”