A car-mad couple from Maidstone will no doubt be zooming down the aisle to say 'I vroom', after getting engaged at an Formula 1 circuit.

Matthew Creed won a competition for him and his partner to drive in a Renault Sport F1 Team car at Paul Ricard, where next year’s French Grand Prix is set to be held.

But not satisfied with ticking just one lifelong dream off the bucket list, the 27-year-old workshop controller set about planning how to pop the question to girlfriend Hayley Melen.

The couple have always shared a passion for racing, and take their Clio RS 200 on regular track days.

The event gave the pair the opportunity to learn the circuit with professional drivers and get behind the wheel of an F1 single-seat racer.

But before experiencing the thrills of being driven around the circuit by a professional driver, Mr Creed got down on one knee to ask Hayley, 24, to marry him.

Talking of the experience, Mr Creed said: “Driving the F1 car was mixed emotions knowing I will never have an opportunity to do this again brought tears to my eyes.

“It was something I had dreamed of since I was a small child while watching F1.

“I knew it was the perfect moment for Hayley to make me the luckiest man in the world, and she agreed to become my wife. It is a moment we will treasure for the rest of our lives.”

Of the big surprise Miss Melen, a bank manager, said: “Without a doubt it was the best day of my life. It was a breath-taking moment, and incredibly emotional.

“We have both had a soft spot for Renault since we have been together, and alongside our passion for F1, it was just the perfect moment.

“Matt is truly my soulmate, and best friend and I cannot wait to become his wife.”

Mr Creed was one of 10 competition winners, entered into the prize draw to win the experience day after test driving a Clio Renault Sport at Maidstone Renault in Bircholt Road in August.