A HUGE congratulations to newly-engaged Sarah Drew and Adam Brooks from Abingdon.

Despite the fact that women are, of course, allowed to propose to their partners whenever they like, Leap Day is well-known for being the only time they are traditionally allowed to ask for their boyfriend's hand in marriage.

It was a lovely to see Sarah sticking to this tradition, and we were very glad the Oxford Mail could play our small part in it.

Proposing is usually thought of as something the man of the relationship takes control of, and Sarah was very brave for taking her future into her own hands.

But, after 12 years of being in love, it was clear she had no reason to fear that Adam would turn her down.