A TOUCHING marriage proposal took place at an event that fosters love and friendship among people with learning disabilities.

Dates-n-mates is Scotland’s national dating and friendship agency and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in Renfrewshire.

Proving how successful the group is for forging friendships and romance, one of the group’s members received a wedding proposal from her boyfriend – and she said yes.

Michelle Moodie is delighted that she is engaged to her now fiancé Wayne Gray.

The proposal took place at Renfrewshire’s dates-n-mates birthday celebration in Johnstone Town Hall.

Project co-ordinator Fiona Kyle said: “Michelle is over the moon and we wish them the best of luck.”

Dates-n-mates Renfrewshire runs between four and six open events in the area each year.

Next up will be a Valentine’s party on Thursday, February 16 from 7pm to 10pm at Ferguslie Bowling Club. The first Renfrewshire Valentine’s party took place last year at Gabriel’s in Paisley.

Another couple got together after contacting each other on the dates-n-mates message board and had a romance lasting eight months.

One member Peter said: “I have made new friends and love what dates-n-mates do. I feel comfortable with dates-n-mates and will do anything to help.”

Another member Colin has turned his life around since joining saying: “I was just in the house playing video games all the time.

“I didn’t have any friends nor go out much but a lot has changed since dates-n-mates.

“I have more confidence and have tried lots of new things.”

Tickets for the upcoming event at Ferguslie Bowling Club costs £8 for members and £10 for non members.

There will be a buffet, DJ, message board and fun games. Anyone looking for love or to make friends can attend.

Contact Fiona Kyle, project co-ordinator, Fiona.Kyle@c-change.org.uk call 0141 427-2957 or e-mail sheryl.walker@c-change.org.uk.