Laughter is perhaps not the best sound to hear after a proposal of marriage but for Martin Hughes, 29, it was music to his ears.

He plotted with Brighton stand-up comic Stephen Grant to pop the big question in an original way.

Martin and girlfriend Connie Green, 26, are fans of the comedian and went to Thursday night's gig at Komedia.

At the end of his show, Stephen whipped off his jumper to reveal a T-shirt bearing the message "To Connie from Martin: Will You Marry Me?"

A shocked Connie was speechless for several seconds before, to the sound of cheers, chuckles and romantic sighs from the audience, she said yes. Martin, a publishing executive, said: "I emailed Stephen just as a complete stab in the dark. I couldn't believe it when he said he would give it a go.

"The T-shirt was his idea and when Connie saw it she was gobsmacked.

"She is quite an extrovert but was never expecting this in a million years."

Connie said: "Normally I am very chatty but when I saw the T-shirt I just couldn't speak. I thought if he ever asked me it would be the usual way of going out for dinner then getting down on one knee.

"It was not exactly what I dreamed of but it worked!"

The couple, who live in Sawyers Close, Burgess Hill, paid tribute to Stephen for being such a good sport.

Martin said: "He was great. After the show he came over to speak to us and give us the T-shirt and a pack of playing cards he was using as a prop."

The couple hope to wed next year but Connie said: "My parents are on holiday in Australia and we haven't had time to tell them. It will be a nice surprise when they get back."