A pair of Brighton lovebirds just missed being named as Britain's most romantic couple.

Sam Davies and Matt Lindner, who first met after their cars collided, made the shortlist of five couples nominated for the St Valentine's Day prize.

They were beaten to the top honour by Shropshire couple Ted and Joy Cowling, who have been married for 58 years.

They fell in love after Joy answered Ted's mayday call when the plane he was flying developed engine trouble.

They won the top Asda Valentine Award of a £5,000 luxury holiday at last night's Valentine's Gala Dinner in London's Mayfair.

Sam and Matt, who live in Five Ways, Brighton, will receive a UK weekend break worth £500 as runners-up.

The pair have described as "fate" the car crash in a gymnasium car park which brought them together.

Gym instructor Matt, 23, has completed a cookery course so he can cook gluten-free meals for law student Sam, who is allergic.

He also surprised her by taking her for a weekend trip to Paris on her 20th birthday last June.

Sam's mother Patricia nominated them for the competition, which was held in aid of the NSPCC.