Romantic proposal provides an engaging coup de théâtre

ROMANTIC Richard Spawforth saw his ideal moment to pop the question when his equally lovey-dovey girlfriend arranged a surprise visit to the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Nov 2010, 23:04 BST

Updated 24th Nov 2010, 23:04 BST

The couple, from Chapel Allerton, Leeds, were there to celebrate his 30th birthday but Mr Spawforth was finding it hard to pick his moment because the cafe bars were too noisy.

After arriving at the Moulin Rouge, he bravely approached a security guard for a quiet word and minutes later was on stage, on one knee, proposing to Lyndsey Yates in front of 500 audience members.

"I had the ring with me but I didn't have a plan for when I was going to ask.

"It didn't seem right in a bar," he said.

Once inside the theatre he saw his opportunity.

"I asked a security guard if there was anything they could do. We were led onto the stage," he added.

"Lyndsey looked very shocked, gave me a big hug and whispered 'yes'.

"People were coming up and congratulating her."

Miss Yates, 34, said: "I surprised him by taking him to the Moulin Rouge but he double surprised me, he trumped me.

"I was a bit overwhelmed."