RESIDENTS of tennis star Andy Murray's home town have sent their congratulations after he announced his engagement to his long-term girlfriend Kim Sears.

Local children made colourful cards congratulating the tennis ace on his love game in Dunblane, while the butcher's created a message using sausages.

The former Wimbledon champion's grandmother Shirley Erskine, 83, joked that it was "about time" he tied the knot.

Mrs Erskine, 83, said she was delighted to reveal her good news after being initially sworn to secrecy.

Speaking at her Dunblane home after the news became public on Wednesday, a week after the world number six popped the question, she said the whole family are delighted.

Mrs Erskine added: "Kim is a lovely girl. Andy phoned and said 'just to tell you, I proposed to Kim today'. His grandpa Roy and I were thrilled.

"Roy told him 'I hope she said yes'. I asked, 'Can I give my congratulations to Kim', and he said 'She's right here'.

"He passed the phone to Kim. She was very excited - we all were."

Although Ms Sears' engagement ring has yet to be seen in public, Murray's grandmother added: "I'm told it's a lovely ring."

"Kim has been such a great support to Andy through all his highs and lows. We couldn't be happier for them both."

Mrs Erskine agreed to deliver to her grandson hand-made cards created by children at the Dunblane Centre, adding: "They're brilliant. He'll love them."

Marco McCool, 10, whose card read "Andy + Kim 4 ever", said: "Andy's an amazing tennis player - and now he's a very lucky guy."

Katie Wales, eight, added: "I want to say well done - Kim's lovely."

Centre manager Gemma Greer said speculation in the town is rising that it will take place at the Cromlix House hotel, which was recently bought and refurbished by the tennis star.

She said: "Everyone is really excited. We watch all Andy's games and have gone through all his ups and downs.

"Everyone's hoping they will be married at Andy's hotel, Cromlix House.

"It would be lovely if Dunblane was able to give them a good send-off for married life.

"It will be the event of the year."

One person posted a congratulations message, complete with love hearts, on the main sign welcoming visitors to the town. A pink heart was also attached to the gold postbox in the high street, which was painted the colour after he won a gold medal in the tennis singles at the 2012 London Olympics.

Butcher Connor Wilson, 22, put a love heart made of sausages with the couple's names in his shop window, adding: "Hopefully the wedding will be in Dunblane and we can treat Andy and Kim to a nice big steak."