SHE said she wanted a low-key proposal.

So when Claire Henderson heard a marching band parading up the street where she lives in Bournemouth, she never thought it would end in a marriage proposal.

Organised by now husband-to-be Marc Butler on New Year’s Eve – also Claire’s birthday – the idea came about after Marc had a dream he proposed in exactly the same way.

Acting on the dream, he got in touch with his fellow band mates in Bournemouth Carnival Band and 24 hours later the surprise was organised.

Meeting the group of 17 musicians dressed as Spider-man just around the corner from their home in Seagull Road, Bournemouth, the band struck up a simple drum roll and began their march round the corner to Claire’s house.

Claire, 37, said: “Marc’s mum got me outside and I just started crying. At this point I thought he’s organised this for my birthday.

“When they got outside, they played Happy Birthday and another song and then Marc came forward.”

Marc, 40, said: “I just got down on one knee and said ‘Will you make me the happiest man in the world?’ Thankfully she said ‘yes’.”

Claire added: “I was properly bawling and absolutely flabbergasted. I would not have wanted it any other way.

“I’m so thankful to all of the band. They are brilliant and came together with such short notice.”

The couple, who have been together for six years, have a son together, James, four, as well as Becca, 13, Claire’s daughter from a previous relationship.

They have not made any plans as yet for the big day but Claire says they know they need a big enough venue to fit all of the band in.