AN RNLI volunteer surprised his partner with a unique proposal with a lifeboat crew holding up a huge banner on the waves of the Bristol Channel.

Lyndon and Kelly were walking along Burnham-On-Sea beach on Sunday (May 12) when an Atlantic 85 lifeboat appeared on the waves with RNLI crew holding a three metre banner, which was emblazoned with the words: “Marry me, Kelly?”.

After nearly 20 years together, Lyndon, the Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Deputy Press Officer, decided there was no better place to get down on one knee than on the coastline in front of RNLI's Lower Lighthouse, in Somerset.

Lyndon, who had spent weeks planning the very special moment with the help of the crew, said: "Kelly was struggling to read the banner.

Lyndon and Kelly with lifeboat crew Daren and MarcPhoto released May 15 2024. RNLI volunteer surprises partner with unique proposal - with lifeboat crew holding up huge banner on the waves.Lyndon and Kelly were walking along Burnham-On-Sea beach on Sunday (12 May) - when a lifeboat appeared on the waves with RNLI crew holding a three metre banner stating: “Marry me, Kelly?”.After nearly 20 years together, Lyndon, the Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Deputy Press Officer, decided there was no better place to get down on one knee than on the coastline in front of RNLI's Lower Lighthouse.Lyndon, who had spent spent weeks planning the very special moment with the help of crew, said: "Thankfully she said yes!"
Lyndon and Kelly with lifeboat crew Daren and Marc (RNLI/Mike Lang/SWNS) (RNLI / Mike Lang / SWNS)

"She realised it was for her by which point I was on one knee and and asking her the question, which she was, I think, pleasantly surprised.

"Thankfully, she said yes!"

As well as the lifeboat crew, Lyndon also had several members of his family attend on their walk to ensure the bride-to-be did not suspect anything unusual.

He said: "Her sister and her husband came on the walk with us, just to make it look a bit more natural."

Both their families are 'absolutely delighted' he added.

Lyndon pops the question. Photo released May 15 2024. RNLI volunteer surprises partner with unique proposal - with lifeboat crew holding up huge banner on the waves.Lyndon and Kelly were walking along Burnham-On-Sea beach on Sunday (12 May) - when a lifeboat appeared on the waves with RNLI crew holding a three metre banner stating: “Marry me, Kelly?”.After nearly 20 years together, Lyndon, the Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Deputy Press Officer, decided there was no better place to get down on one knee than on the coastline in front of RNLI's Lower Lighthouse.Lyndon, who had spent spent weeks planning the very special moment with the help of crew, said: "Thankfully she said yes!"
Lyndon pops the question (RNLI/Mike Lang/SWNS) (RNLI / Mike Lang / SWNS)

The crew had been returning from their weekly Sunday morning training with Weston RNLI and the tide was calm, making for perfect conditions.

Crew member Mark Smith was one of the volunteers holding the banner, he said: "I've never seen anything like it in the 14 years I've been there.

"She was quite overwhelmed."

Lyndon added: "Utilising the expert help of our two helms, Scott and Marc, Launch Authority Phil, and all volunteer crew on-board, the plans had run exactly to schedule - with the shallower draft D-Class even able to nose-in for two volunteer crew members to come ashore on the beach and share their congratulations.

"A big Thanks goes to Mike Lang Photography for these wonderful photographs and memories to last a lifetime."