DAWN Halleron's world was put in a spin when her boyfriend proposed - just days before they set off on a two-year trek around the globe.

Dawn and boyfriend James Bolton were packed up ready to embark on a one-in-a-lifetime trip round the world when he sprung the surprise.

When the childhood sweethearts went to test drive their new globe trotting rucksacks Dawn had no idea that James' contained a romantic picnic and a white gold diamond engagement ring.

As the pair reached the top of Rivington Pike James dropped to one knee and popped the question before setting up the spread which included a bottle of bubbly.

Dawn, 24, who works as a graphic design digital artist in Skipton, said: "It was a total surprise, I wasn't expecting it at all.

"I have been waiting for 11 years and thought he had forgotten about it. When he asked me I downed half the champagne in one."

The couple, of Rosebay Avenue, Feniscowles, first met when they started going to St Bede's High School. James, 25, said: "It was love at first sight but it took me a couple of years to get around to asking her out.

"I know that she thought I was a geek at first, but I charmed her eventually."

Since then they have never looked back and are now both looking forward to their trip which starts on Saturday.

The pair handed in their notices at work, sold everything they own and are now packed, ready to go.

James, an audio visual engineer in Burnley, said: "Travelling the world is something we have both longed to do.

"We have had small holidays in Europe and been to America, but we would like to experience working in different cultures.

"We sold everything we have got and have given up our careers to take this chance. It is 50 per cent excitement and 50 per cent fear because we have nothing left - but we are going for it."

The couple will jet to New York for the first leg of their trip and then hire a jeep to taken them to North Carolina where James has family.

After that they have no plans, but to enjoy themselves and go where they please.

James said: "In two years from now we will find a beach on our travels, fly our families out and get married.

"Dawn is everything to me and has been waiting a long time for this. Now the timing is perfect."