A Braintree mum is preparing to tie the knot with a man she proposed to after just one meeting.

Frances Draper, 55, met John Beddows three years ago after hitting it off on an online dating site.

However, Frances’ battle with depression led her to cancel a string of planned dates with Mr Beddows, 48, who lives in Fingringhoe, near Colchester.

Last month, days before they planned to meet again, she asked him to marry her over the phone.

On September 25, they met at Witham Railway Station before celebrating the engagement with a meal at the White Hart in Newland Street.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for more.