It must be puppy love - couple's engagement a first at Guide Dogs' National Breeding Centre!

A visitor to Guide Dogs' National Breeding Centre pawsed to propose to his girlfriend while taking part in a tour.

Matthew Wilson took his girlfriend of eight years, Kate McDonald, on a tour of the charity's centre in Banbury Road, near Bishop's Tachbrook, as a surprise. But the real surprise came while the couple were in one of the dog socialising rooms, surrounded by a litter of cute, life-changing Labrador/Retriever crosses, where Matt got down on one knee and popped the question.

Matt was like a dog with two tails when Kate accepted, and he gave her an engagement ring with a diamond originally set in a ring belonging to his grandmother. The couple have yet to set a date and find a venue for their wedding, but they are hoping to tie the knot in December somewhere in London, where they both live.

Matthew and Kate were visiting family in the area for the Christmas break and were at the National Breeding Centre on 27 December. While Kate had guessed they might be visiting the centre, she had no idea that Matt would propose. It's a first for the centre, which opened in May 2011.

Matthew, who's 34 and works for a national museum, said: "Both Kate and I have sponsored our own guide dog puppies for the last three years and are keen to support Guide Dogs in any way we can. Kate wanted to visit the National Breeding Centre to gain more of an understanding of the charity and puppy training and, of course, an opportunity to see some of the puppies. I knew it would be the perfect place to propose!"

Kate, who's 33 and who works for a London council, said: "The puppies were undeniably adorable and such good fun! We both felt very privileged to spend time with a new litter and it was an amazing surprise to be proposed to – I think Matt must have known it would be a guaranteed 'yes' in those surroundings!

"I’ll be following the puppies we met and hope to be back for a visit again soon… Maybe for forthcoming wedding anniversaries!"

David Hurst, National Breeding Centre Manager, said: "Congratulations to Kate and Matthew. This is a first for the centre and we'd like to thank them both for their support and interest in Guide Dogs. We wish them every happiness together."

Guide Dogs' National Breeding Centre opened its doors to the public in July 2012. Tours take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, anyone interested in visiting the centre should book in advance on 0845 3727 432 or by emailing NBCvisitors@guidedogs.org.uk  No charge is made, but donations will be gratefully received.