A BEATRIX Potter fan followed in the footsteps of her favourite author when her boyfriend made a romantic marriage proposal.

Jason Birch and Vicky Boyes, from Gisburn, had discussed getting married but she had no idea where or when to expect a diamond.

But romantic Jason had hatched a plan to whisk his bride-to-be up to the Lake District to propose at the author’s former home at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey, near Ambleside.

The Valentine’s Day proposal was a century on from when Beatrix Potter was engaged to William Heelis, though a formal announcement had not been made because her parents did not entirely approve of her marrying a mere country solicitor.

For Jason, a garden centre manager, and Vicky, a carer, it had been a whirlwind romance as they only got together in September after two years of ‘noticing each other’ but not speaking at the garden centre.

One day he plucked up the courage to give her his telephone number and the rest is history.

He said: “When I met Vicky she was really into Beatrix Potter and we both love the Lakes.

“She watched Miss Potter, the film about Beatrix Potter’s life, quite often so I had the idea to go to Hill Top to propose on Valentine’s Day.

“As we got the ferry over Windermere she clicked. I had phoned the National Trust and worked out I could do it in Mr McGregor's garden at noon.

“After I’d done the deed the staff were waiting with pink champagne and a bag of Peter Rabbit goodies. Vicky absolutely loved it.”

Following in Beatrix and William’s footsteps, the happy couple went for a walk round Moss Eccles Tarn before returning to the Tower Bank Arms.

The pub next to Hill Top was used by Beatrix Potter in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

And in carrying out the most romantic act of his life, Jason has committed himself not only to Vicky but to a lifetime of Beatrix Potter.

He said: “She has been listening to all the songs from the film since we got back, and she wants to see more of the places where it was filmed.

“We already have a summer break planned in the Lakes. Who knows, one day we might even be able to move up to the Lake District, we would both love to.”

And Jason did not rule out their wedding day coinciding with that of Beatrix and William’s on October 15.