Couple get engaged at Tesco supermarket in Dereham

But for one man the Tesco in Dereham will also be the place where he truly won his partner's heart as she said yes to his proposal to marry him.

John Zelos popped the big question to his long-term partner at the supermarket, more than 10 years after the couple reconnected in the same place.

John Zelos proposed near the flowers in Dereham's Tesco. (Image: Newsquest) Mr Zelos and Victoria Mathews, both 44, grew up together and attended Smithdon High School in Hunstanton but lost touch when Mr Zelos moved to Sussex. 

The two then made contact years later during an emergency fire drill at the store.

Mr Zelos had moved to the town and Ms Mathews was working at the opticians for the supermarket. 

John Zelos said he became very nervous the closer the time came to proposing. (Image: Newsquest) Mr Zelos said: "She immediately recognised who I was and headed straight towards me and we just started chatting.

"Then after a little while we got together. That was over 10 years ago."

The two have also experienced tragedy in the family in recent years, which, according to Mr Zelos, spurred on his decision to pop the question.

Mr Zelos said Ms Mathews lost her father, and in the same year, his mother, sister and his best friend passed away. 

Victoria Mathews said yes. (Image: Newsquest) He said: "So I wanted to do something to cheer her up and bring some happiness." 

Mr Zelos arranged for their family to meet him at the Tesco at 5.45pm on Tuesday where they waited for Ms Mathews to walk down the aisle.
 

The whole family was present to witness the proposal. (Image: Callie Skelton) Ms Mathews arrived at 6pm under the guise she was being taken out for dinner only to be surprised by her partner and family.

Ms Mathews said she felt "very overwhelmed" but most importantly, she said yes. 

Callie Skelton and Emily Bell, who work at Tesco and helped coordinate the event, said: "We're just so happy for both of them and we wish them every bit of happiness for the future."