Cole popped the question in Dubai

Cole, 24, asked the 21-year-old Newcastle-born singer to marry him while on holiday in Dubai and presented her with a �50,000 diamond ring.

The England defender has been dating Tweedy, 21, for nine months.

The pair had a luxury break following the end of the Girls Aloud tour. They returned to Tyneside on Wednesday to share the news with Tweedy's family.

The singer's spokesman said: "Ashley and Cheryl are engaged. He proposed in Dubai and she accepted straight away. Everyone is very happy for them."

Community service

In a statement Tweedy added: "Everything is perfect with Ashley - it's quite scary how good it all is.

"I think it's quite sweet that people call us the new Posh and Becks - I really don't have a problem with it at all.

"I suppose you could think of us as a smaller-scale version of them. I'm definitely happy with that comparison."

In 2003 Tweedy was found guilty of assaulting toilet attendant Sophie Amogbokpa in a nightclub in Guildford, Surrey. She received a �3,000 fine and 120 hours community service for the crime.

Earlier this month Cole was fined �100,000 for his part in a breach of Football Association rules following discussions with Premiership rivals Chelsea.

His agent Joanathan Barnett has lodged an appeal to clear his client's name.