Kind-hearted photographer tracks down newly-engaged couple after she snapped them enjoying the sunset at Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu

A NEW Forest couple’s special moment watching the sunset after getting engaged was captured by a passer-by who tracked them down on social media.

Jane Pearce was walking at Hatchet Pond on 23rd September when she came across the romantic scene.

She told the A&T: “I saw rose petals leading from the car park to a gazebo and saw the couple wrapped in blankets cuddling, with a picnic and drinks.

“I asked them if they had just got engaged and they said they had.

“I congratulated them and when walking back to my car a little while later, I took the photo of them. I posted the photo on a Facebook group hoping it would find them.”

To their surprise the couple, Ben Norris (37) and Jen Woodnutt (34), who have been together for nearly a year, spotted the photo online.

Ben said: “It was such a nice feeling and we are so grateful that people like Jane are out there.

“I did see and briefly chat [with her] about how lovely the sunset was, but I didn't know she'd taken such a lovely photo of us and it was so thoughtful of her to upload it for us to find.”

Having told his partner he was taking her for a mystery meal, Ben surprised a blindfolded Jen with a trail of roses and petals leading from the car park.

He added: “Each rose had a ribbon tied to it with a reason why I love her written on the ribbon.

“I waited at the end of the trail, got on one knee and told her there weren't enough roses or words.

“I asked her to marry me and just as I was putting the ring on her finger, a shield bug landed on my arm which caused some amusement.”

The couple plan to wed in 2025.