An "undateable" man has found true love and is celebrating his engagement.

Witham Town FC superfan James Beardwell, who has autism and learning disabilities, appeared on the controversial Channel 4 show The Undateables looking for love after not having a date for a decade.

Since his appearance on the programme two years ago his confidence has increased and the 34-year-old finally met his partner six months ago.

Mr Beardwell, who works at Sainsbury’s met Claire Styles, 29, at Mencap football training in Thurrock.

He said: “I popped the question on December 14 at her house, it was the best day of my life.

“I got down on one knee and asked ‘Will you have me as your fiancée on our many years engagement?’.

“My parents said they were really pleased and so were hers. We all got really emotional.

“She’s really beautiful and she looks amazing, she is sometimes funny and a lovely lady.

“I’m so lucky to have her and she’s lucky to have me.”

After swapping numbers on May 22 Miss Styles and Mr Bardwell spent their first date at ASK Italian in Southend on June 3, but officially became a couple at their third date in Hollywood Bowl, Basildon, on June 22.

The couple will be enjoying what Mr Beardwell calls a many years engagement, where they will not plan a wedding for several years.

He said: “We get on so well together and we have had some great times.

“We have lots of highs and I thought it was the right time.

“We haven’t decided on wedding plans yet, we are taking it step by step.

“We have thought about getting married somewhere nice, maybe like a golf course.

“The football club congratulated me and I’m hoping to take her to a few home and away matches.”

And he is planning on inviting the whole team to the wedding.