WHEN it comes to romantic forms of transport, buses cannot compete with Bentleys and horse-drawn carriages...until now.

Arriva North East is celebrating six months of its premium Sapphire bus service 7 between Darlington and Durham by offering loved-up couples the chance to win a £1,000 sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

The winning couple will be given VIP treatment onboard one of the luxury buses which boast facilities such as charging points, extra leg room and free WiFi.

Arriva North East will also provide the bride to be with a £100 bouquet and a violinist will play as the sapphire bus transports the lucky couple to their proposal destination.

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East, said: “People who are looking to propose but want to do something a little bit quirky and special should get in touch.

“We will be rolling out the blue carpet for the winner who will be taken to propose to their partner on a Sapphire bus complete with £100 worth of flowers, a violinist and a sapphire and diamond ring worth £1,000.”

To enter the competition visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/sayyes and tell Arriva why you should win.