MARIE Hyde did not need to paws for thought when her Army-based boyfriend proposed by sending a Loveheart Bear with the romantic message "Marry Me?"

James Bland, 24, was serving with the 1st Royal Horse Artillery, based in Kosovo, when he decided to pop the question to Marie. James wanted the proposal to be unique and memorable and cuddly toy Jake seemed the perfect way to bear his true feelings.

"I was so shocked when I received Jake and his wonderful message," said Eli Lilley worker Marie, 26, from Old Basing. "James had already sent me three other Loveheart Bears but I was really surprised when I received the proposal.

"It was a very romantic idea and I will treasure Jake forever."

James, who spotted the Loveheart Bears through a leaflet in a NAAFI shop, the military retailer, thought they were a great idea.

"Being away from Marie for five months was hard to bear and this says a lot more than flowers," said James, who is based at Tidworth, Hampshire, but is originally from Newcastle.

"The Loveheart Bears can be personalised down to the last detail, that's what makes them different."

Jake, who sent the proposal soon after the couple's third anniversary, is characterised by his big feet and came packaged in a special travelling box.

Dressed in his royal blue jumper with the very important message "Marry Me" embroidered on his heart, he arrived complete with an extra special note written by James for the girl of his dreams.

The young couple, who are currently looking for a house in the Basingstoke area, are hoping to set a wedding date for next spring.

Jim Griffiths, marketing director of Trademark Clothing and Gifts, the Portsmouth-based company which produce the Loveheart Bears Brand, said: "Marie and James are possibly our best customers, having collected six of the eight different types of Loveheart Bear. We shall soon have to create a new one just for Marie."