A university student proposed to his girlfriend at his graduation ceremony. Joe Walters, from Peacehaven, popped the question as he graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in sociology. The 23-year-old got down on one knee to girlfriend of six years, Emily Hunt, in front of friends and family at the university's after graduation party, ‘Gradstock’ at the Bath Recreation ground.

Emily said yes. "I was just so happy to finally ask Emily to marry me, it was so special,” said Joe. The couple have been together for six years (Image: Niklas Aarre/ SWNS) “It was my graduation day, but I wanted to share that big moment with starting our next chapter together as a couple, so it felt like the perfect moment to propose.

"I couldn’t have got through university without Emily at my side, so I wanted to make the day a double celebration." Emily, originally from Uckfield, graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in dance one year ago and said the proposal was a lovely surprise. “We have been together for almost six years and he always said he would propose at graduation but I presumed he meant mine,” she said.

"So when nothing happened last year, I just put it out of my mind. "I had no idea he would pop the question at his own graduation, but it was such a lovely surprise. “We were surrounded by our uni friends and close family, so it was even more special.

''Some of them even knew he was going to ask me, and I can’t believe they managed to keep it a secret.