FORMER Beatle Paul McCartney engaged to be married

<br>LONDON (AP) _ Former Beatle Paul McCartney is engaged to be married to girlfriend Heather Mills, his office announced Thursday. <br><br>The 59-year-old McCartney proposed Monday during a trip to Britain's

Thursday, July 26th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LONDON (AP) _ Former Beatle Paul McCartney is engaged to be married to girlfriend Heather Mills, his office announced Thursday.

The 59-year-old McCartney proposed Monday during a trip to Britain's Lake District, his spokesman said. The two plan to marry sometime next year.

McCartney's wife of 30 years, Linda McCartney, died of breast cancer in 1998.

``Paul and Heather said today they would like to thank their relatives and friends for all the great support they have shown them since they met two years ago,'' said a statement from McCartney's office.

Mills is a former swimwear model whose left leg was amputated below the knee after she was run down by a police motorcyclist in 1993.

The two met at a charity function when Mills appealed for help for her own foundation, The Heather Mills Trust, which provides limbs for victims of war around the world.

McCartney, whose romance with his first wife was legendary among Beatles fans, said last year that he was smitten with Mills instantly.