A RADIO station played cupid for a love-struck listener who wanted to make a decent proposal to his unsuspecting girlfriend.

Vivian Mayes, 50, called Sheppey DJ John Sissons with his unusual request – to pop the question to partner Diane Phillips, from Kemsley, live on air.

The playful BRFM presenter duly obliged, getting down on one knee to broadcast a heartfelt plea on Vivian's behalf on Monday, August 16.

At this point, it would be delightful to report Diane, 49, cried "yes" at the radio through a veil of happy tears.

Unfortunately, she was on her way to work at Unipet International at Great Grovehurst Farm and completely missed the moment.

But workmates, who are daily devotees of the popular morning show, soon put her in the picture.

She said: "As I was walking to the factory, my mates ran towards me shouting, 'Vivian's proposed'.

"I just stood there and went, 'Oh, no.'

"And when they told me it had been on the radio, I went, 'Oh my God'.

Momentarily silenced by the shock, Diane set about confronting Vivian on the subject of matrimony.

"I rang him and said, 'Did you make a request on the radio?' He said he had, and was disappointed when I told him I'd missed it.

"I said, 'I'll speak to you later' and left it at that."

Diane from Grovehurst Road and Vivian, a groundsman from Canvey Island, met via an internet dating site eight months ago.

During correspondence, they discovered a shared passion for motorbikes, and Vivian soon swept his long-distance love off her feet, whisking her away for two-wheeled trips through the Essex countryside and beyond.

They also developed a shared fondness for BRFM and attended many of the community station's roadshows together.

But come the day of romantic reckoning, Vivian approached the station with caution.

He said: "Diane and I hadn't talked about marriage, so I was a bit nervous about making a public proposal.

"I hadn't thought what I'd do if she said no, so I suppose I was quietly confident.

"I'm a biker, which makes it harder to find a good woman, but Diane's a really wonderful lady with a lovely personality."

But were the feelings reciprocated?

Diane, who has a 21-year-old son, admitted Vivian was a "wonderful, fun-loving man".

But was he The One? Were they about to live happily ever after? Did she accept his wedding invitation?

"I left him hanging – it's a woman's prerogative," she said.

"I got my own back and made him propose on one knee.

"After all, I missed his first one."

Having finally put him out of his misery with a "yes", she added: "I've already had plenty of people asking to be bridesmaid and offering help with the cake.

"We're looking at a date next year and BRFM are definitely invited."