Most people would normally associate doves with love and romance.

When Mark Bates decided to propose to his girlfriend Katrina Mosely, however, he got a hawk in on the act.

He arranged for Mini the hawk to make a special delivery of a £1,000 engagement ring after popping the question in front of cheering crowds at the Sussex Game and Country Fair.

But it could have gone horribly wrong for Mark, as his intended was so scared of the bird of prey carrying her ring she could not open her eyes when it landed on her arm.

Katrina said: "I was petrified. They were all telling me to look at the bird but I couldn't even open my eyes.

I am terrified of them. I hate all birds, even pigeons and this one seemed huge and had a very sharp beak."

Fianc Mark untied the ring and placed it on her finger - as the falconer John Forster burst into tears.

He said: "It was a very moving moment. I have never seen this done before."

The couple, from nearby Pulborough, had already chosen the ring and had it sized before Mark decided to spring his surprise.

Mini had threatened to give the whole event the brush-off when he flew off and sat in a nearby tree for ten minutes prior to completing his ring delivery.

Thousands endured sky-high temperatures to visit the show at Brinsbury College, near Pulborough, over the weekend and several dog-racing events had to be called off because it was too hot for the pooches to perform.

Paddling pools full of water were placed around the fair for dogs to bathe in.