ONE Ledbury woman had a fairytale ending at Hereford’s pantomime when her partner got down on one knee on stage to propose.

Matthew Pace-Bardon proposed to Katie Williams during the second act of The Courtyard’s annual pantomime, Peter Pan.

The panto cast were in on the act, of course.

Ms Smee, played by Philip Day, and her son Smee, played by Ellis Kerkhoven, invited Matthew on to the stage to sing their version of the Proclaimers hit 500 Miles.

Once the song finished, Matthew took the microphone, got down on one knee and asked Katie to be his wife.

And cheers erupted when Katie said yes.

Matthew said: “I know Katie loves the theatre, so I thought why not propose to her on stage with our children Freya, Logan and Paisley with us to share the magic of theatre.

“It was also the most magical time of the year, coming up to Christmas.”

He thanked front of house manager Katie Owen, Philip Day, Ellis Kerkhoven and Captain Hook actor Craig Painting for making the day so special.

Romance at the panto is becoming something of a tradition at the venue, because this was not the first proposal that The Courtyard stage has seen.

Andrew Berry proposed to his partner Helen Jones at the end of the pantomime in 2016.

In that case, Mr Berry proposed on stage during Aladdin. The couple were from Peterchurch.

Peter Pan is at The Courtyard until January 12.

A spokesman said: “Peter Pan entices the three Darling children to his home in Neverland with the promise of magic and adventures. Meanwhile, young Smee has joined the pirate crew against the wishes of his over-protective Mum, Dede Smee, who follows him to Neverland to make sure he always wears his vest and doesn’t get up to any mischief.

“Add to the mix a naughty Tinkerbell, who tries to cause havoc whenever she can, a Hook-hungry crocodile, singing mermaids, flying, magic, song and dance and plenty of laughs.Will Peter be able to defeat the wicked Captain Hook?”

The show is Adapted from the original by J.M Barrie and by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital and Samuel French Ltd. £1 per ticket goes to GOSH.

For tickets to the show, call 01432 340555