Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The couple's parents announced the engagement

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch's engagement to girlfriend Sophie Hunter has been announced with a notice in The Times newspaper.

The small notice appeared under "forthcoming marriages" on page 57 of Wednesday's publication.

The Sherlock star and the theatre director have kept their relationship away from the glare of the media.

The couple have largely avoided being pictured together. They were first seen publicly in June at the French Open.

Cumberbatch, 38, has been Oscar-tipped for his portrayal of Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

Hunter has also appeared as an actress on stage and screen, including Midsomer Murders, Torchwood and Vanity Fair.