Cultivating romance: farmer's unique proposal

A romantic farmer from the Scottish Borders has cultivated the words "Will you marry me" in huge letters in a field to woo his long-term girlfriend.

John Jardine, 29, took Hayley Thomson to a local landmark overlooking the farm so she could see his handiwork before going down on one knee.

Hayley, a 24-year-old beautician, admits she was taken completely by surprise by the gesture, but had no hesitation in saying yes.

John had taken her to Fatlips Castle near Denholm, where she could get a bird's eye view of the message which was 100 metres long and 24 metres high.

John used a cultivator to carve out the message and made three trips up to Fatlips Castle on the day itself to ensure the message could be viewed.

The couple's three-year-old daughter, Larissa, is now looking forward to being the flower girl as they plan the big day.

But the message will not last forever... as the field is due to be ploughed and drilled with oats.