A BRIDGWATER charity shop has been the unlikely venue for a heartwarming whirlwind romance.

Kylie Peppard, 25 and Shanahan Smith, 22, met as volunteers as Scope's charity shop in Binford Place just three months ago and brave Shanahan popped the question to Kylie in front of fellow volunteers in the Scope shop.

"I guess it was love at first sight," Kylie said, while Shanahan added: "I couldn't take my eyes off her."

Kylie had been a volunteer with Scope for eight months before Shanahan started in August.

Shanahan got down on one knee in front of the fellow volunteers and a shocked Kylie with a marriage proposal, "I was so shocked it took me a while to say yes, I was crying, it was so emotional," Miss Peppard said.

Shanahan he wanted everything to be in place before setting a date for the wedding. His father is also a volunteer at the shop, and apparently told Kylie she'd need to take care of Shanahan.

Both are studying for their NVQs in retail at the store in Binford Place, and assistant manager Michelle Hardy said she could not be more pleased for the smitten couple.

"They are just fantastic, you couldn't meet a nicer pair. I am really pleased for them, we are like a big family here."

Scope is charity which supports 13.3million disabled people and 5,000 of those work within the charity.

Michelle explained: "We will take volunteers from any background, whether they have no qualifications and want to improve their CV, people with disabilities who need support, people on probation, or those who want to volunteer to help toward their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

"We always welcome more volunteers - all you need is a comfy pair of shoes, a will to work and enthusiasm. People often comment about what a lovely group we have here."

Michelle said anyone interested in volunteering should pop in to the shop to find out more.