Former Brighton and Hove mayor Jenny Langston has become engaged to fellow councillor Mark Barnard.

The announcement comes five months after the death of Jenny's husband Steve Langston.

The couple have the support of all the children whom Jenny and Steve, who was also a Hove councillor, fostered during their 32-year marriage.

Coun Barnard's parents and family have also given their blessing.

Jenny has been sporting her diamond engagement ring for two weeks but the couple decided to officially announce the news today.

They revealed they had become close during the General Election campaign.

Mark, a Hangleton councillor, supported Jenny during her unsuccessful bid to become the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade.

They spent a lot of time together on the campaign trail and their relationship blossomed.

After the election they flew to Gran Canaria for a holiday in the sun. While there they became engaged.

Councillor Brian Oxley, new Tory group leader on Brighton and Hove City Council, was among the first to congratulate them.

He said: "I am very pleased that Jenny and Mark have found happiness together. They are keeping up a long tradition of husband and wife councillors in the city."

Lib Dem leader Paul Elgood said: "Jenny has had a very difficult year so I hope they can now focus on a happy future together.

"They share a lot of interests and goals and I regard them as friends, even though we are in different political parties."

The couple are now looking to buy a house together and Jenny intends to let out the house she shared with Steve in Avondale Road.

Mark currently lives with his parents in Bolsover Road, Hove.