Music proved to be the food of love when conductor Nicholas Houghton met choir member Robin Page.

When Nicholas took on the job of conducting a Lewes-based chamber choir he hoped to produce perfect harmony among his singers.

Little did he realise he would be making music of his own with one member.

Now the classically-trained director of music at Hurstpierpoint College is getting used to Abba, Dido and German hip hop after romance blossomed with alto singer Robin.

The couple, both divorcees from Lewes, will get married on Saturday after Nicholas popped the question on a choir trip to France - much to the surprise of fellow members of the Esterhazy Chamber Choir.

Robin, 41, had been in the choir for two years before Nicholas took over as the new conductor in January last year.

She said: "At first I thought he was a bit austere, a bit formal, but I soon realised my first impression was false.

"We started chatting and then he asked me out.

"The experience of performing music with others is a wonderful thing and there are several other couples in the choir.

"But there's no truth in the rumour I agreed to marry him just so I wouldn't fail my re-audition!"

Nicholas, 45, a former chorister who grew up with classical music, remains discreet on the subject of his fiancee's musical tastes but said: "She does tend to sing Abba medleys in the bath - but I can live with that."

Robin added: "He's educating me in classical music and I'm introducing him to things like Dido.

"I think the only thing he didn't appreciate was when I played him some German hip hop. I think that was beyond the pale."