A STUNNED Queen’s baton bearer has told of her joy after her fiance handed her the Games symbol — then proposed in front of shocked family and friends.

International judo referee David McSkimming popped the question to his partner Suzi Kirkpatrick just before he handed over the baton to her.

The couple, who live in Greenock with son Lyal, who’s two, got engaged at the corner of Campbell Street and the Esplanade in front of thrilled family, friends and the eyes of the world watching live on the internet.

The pair had actually got engaged during a recent holiday but David wanted to make the happy occasion extra special by bringing it into the baton relay, so that their loved onces could share the moment.

Suzi, 37, who is a Scotland and Great Britain judo coach and runs the Wemyss Bay Judo Club, said: “We already got engaged on holiday in Tenerife.

“David told me he had wanted to propose when passing the baton to me but I said ‘please don’t’ because it’s an emotional time and I didn’t want to start crying at such a happy occasion.

“But he wanted to pass the ring over too and I said that was ok, on the condition that he did not go down on one knee!

“It was lovely because all our family and friends were there.

“It was a nice touch from David and made the day even more special because the relay will never happen again and it marked my engagement.” Aunts, uncles and cousins were all there for the magic moment, as well as David’s two children, Natalie and Callum, and this was the first time they had all seen David, Suzi and Lyal since they got back from their sunshine holiday.

David, who also celebrated his 50th birthday on Thursday, explained that he came up with the surprise because he wanted to make sure nobody missed out.

The BBC van in front of the baton bearers played the Bruno Mars hit ‘Marry You’ as David popped the question.

Suzi said: “The best bit for me was that I didn’t burst into tears!” The couple, who have been going out for five years, have not set a date and are still getting over the excitement of the past few days.

Also taking part in the relay were David and Suzi’s judo club-mates, coach Lesley Crumlish and competitor Owen Kelly.

Young Inverclyde judo star Cameron Ward, who inspired Suzi to focus more on coaching and start a special needs club, was also there with his family to cheer them on.