Ever the romantic, Mike Whitewood stepped the charm up a gear when his wife Jill turned 50 last year.

He marked the milestone birthday by presenting her with the soft top sports car she’d always dreamed of.

When Jill opened the garage to find the flash car, decorated with balloons and banners, she was overwhelmed.

But that’s not the reason she nominated him.

“Mike is the most romantic and caring person on the planet,” she said.

“He always brings me a cup of tea in bed each morning and insists on walking on the outside of the pavement when we are out. He always holds my hand and never shouts at me, although I know I’m sometimes hard work.”

On chilly mornings, Mike defrosts Jill’s beloved car for her and makes her a flask of tea to take to work. He even delivers her lunch, usually something hot, lovingly made and carefully wrapped and transported.

Valentine’s Day is a particularly special day for the couple, who both work at the Mayflower theatre and at Marwell Wildlife, where Mike drives the train.

“We got together on Valentine’s Day,” said Jill. “We were both widowed and I sent him a Valentine’s Card with a clue that it was from me. Sending that card was the best thing I ever did.”

The couple have now been married for three years. Jill said: “He is my one and only and I’m so lucky he’s mine.”