YOUNG couple Zoe Coleman and Mark Edwards have had extra sparkle put into their romance at Bolton Market Hall.

The pair, from Radcliffe, decided they were made for each other earlier this year, but stretched finances meant they would have to wait for Zoe to get the engagement ring of her dreams.

But when Zoe heard about a competition to win a ring being run by The Jewellery Quarter in conjunction with local radio station Tower FM, she decided to enter. The 21-year-old machine operator had to talk about her relationship with 27-year-old Mark, and describe how they were getting engaged.

Zoe, of Clyde Road, and Mark, an unemployed demolition worker, have known each other for several years and gradually friendship turned to love. But old-fashioned Mark insisted on asking Zoe's parents' permission before popping the question to the girl herself.

Both the parents and Zoe said yes and the couple were hoping to celebrate their engagement with a big family party on Christmas Eve. The only problem was the lack of cash for Zoe's ring and she thought she would have to wait a bit longer for it.

But her story captured the imagination of the contest organisers and yesterday Zoe and Mark were presented with a diamond ring worth £1,000 by Jewellery Quarter manageress Natalie Booth. "This will really make our Christmas," said Zoe.