Love is in the air, as the song goes. But one man decided to take the message to new heights by booking an aeroplane to fly over Palace Pier with his marriage proposal.

Romantic Mark Harman, 35, from Seaford, decided to surprise partner Louise Coles, 44, with a Saturday morning stroll along the seafront.

Shortly before 1pm, he dropped to one knee and told Louise to look above her head.

She said: “I was half expecting a proposal but did not know anything about the plane. It was an extremely romantic gesture and certainly brought a tear to my eye.”

Mark added: “You only get married once and I found that one special person so I thought I would do something different.”

Tourists pointed their cameras to the heavens and frantically looked for the couple to see if she had accepted.

She did and the pair where then joined by friends and family for a glass of champagne.

Mum Sue Coles, 66, and dad Tony, 67, said: “He definitely has a big thumbs up from us.

“We’re delighted for the pair of them.”

However, there was a notable absence – their beloved dogs Fudge, Rolo, Alfie and Daisy had been left at home.

The pair met when walking their respective dogs on the South Downs.

The one big happy family will now take stock and look at setting a date for the big day.

Mark said: “I’m obviously absolutely delighted. I’m terrible at keeping secrets so I tried to tell as few people as possible. It was especially hard after a few beers.”

Louise added: “I’m over the moon. We’re going to enjoy the rest of the day and will then look at planning the wedding.”