IT sounds like the sort of fairytale romance that would normally be played out on the stage at Colne Muni Theatre.

But when Pendle Leisure Trust marketing guru Amy Hindman went to change the venue’s promotional posters, it turned out she was the star of the show.

And who was behind her? Her boyfriend, James Bateman, on bended knee, asking for her hand in marriage.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Canny Mr Bateman, who also works for Pendle Leisure Trust, had hidden his proposal on a secret bill which read: “Keep calm and Amy, will you marry me?”

Miss Hindman, 20, said yes, and the couple are now planning their dream wedding for next year.

They first dated two years ago. But, after failing to hit it off on initial dates, they rekindled their romance at an after-party following last year’s performance of Aladdin.

Mr Bateman, a former Accrington & Rossendale College student, said: “I think we have always known that we would get engaged one day but I am not very good at surprises, so I wanted the proposal to be the one good surprise I have ever done. Obviously there is always part of you that thinks about how it would feel if Amy said no, especially in public, but thankfully it was a success.”

Miss Hindman, of Nelson, said she did have her suspicions when Mr Bateman accompanied her to the Albert Road theatre.

She said: “Every Monday I come down to change the posters ahead of what is on later in the week. We are based at Colne Town Hall and he does not usually come down here with me, so I did think it was a bit weird.

“I saw the green poster and knew it was not right. When I read it, I was in shock. I turned round and he was down on one knee — I just said: ‘Go on then’.”

The couple, who first met in The Thatch & Thistle pub in Nelson, have made tentative plans to get hitched in September 2016, but the reception will not be at Colne Muni — because they want all of their colleagues there to attend the big day.

Sue Madigan, Pendle Leisure Trust’s publicity manager, said: “James made me aware of what he wanted to do so we got our graphic designer to draw up the poster.

“They are a lovely couple and it was a really special way to propose. We are all delighted for them.”