ROMANCE was definitely in the air for a couple when they enjoyed a romantic Valentine's trip on a Love Bus.

Jeannette Emmerson managed to keep the trip a surprise and got partner Bryan Donaldson to go along by pretending she had left her purse on the bus when she travelled to work yesterday morning.

When the pair arrived at Arriva's depot on Ennis Road, Redcar, the penny still hadn't dropped until Mr Donaldson saw the balloons, flowers, chocolates and gifts that were laid out across the back seat - all as part of a competition prize offered by Arriva.

She said: "I don't know how I managed to pull this off. He had absolutely no idea I had won the competition for the back seat of the bus.

"Last year, Bryan converted our car into a mobile restaurant and took us to Whitby, followed by a trip to the theatre. I didn't intend to try and top that but I'm sure we have a good time and I still have a few surprises for him yet."

A shocked Mr Donaldson, who has been with Jeannette for three-and-a-half years, said: "I don't know what to do next year to top this but I will think of something."