AN Alcester couple made headlines after their wedding proposal surprised more than just the bride.

Crowds of people had gathered in High Street to listen to the Court Leet’s Christmas Cry, a festive message from the new the High Bailiff Vaughan Blake, announced by the town crier David Parkes.

Mr Parkes wished the townsfolk a very merry Christmas on the behalf of the High Bailiff, before he turned to his girlfriend Tracy Wright, who was watching and asked her to marry him.

He said: “On the eve of Christmas and without further ado, I wish it do be known, I'd love to marry you. Will you do me the honour in the summer and say I do? Tracy Margaret, will you marry me?

The proposal was accepted and the couple now planning their wedding for next year, in the summertime.