AN Inverclyde man has told how he proposed to his wife-to-be in front of a crowd of 5,000 at the world famous Royal Albert Hall.

Stuart Wilson, who is a tenor, was in fine voice as he popped the question to his soprano sweetheart at one of the UK's most treasured venues.

The proposal took lots of careful planning but was well worth it as his partner Rhea Delgado said yes, to rapturous cheers.

The Kilmacolm man met his wife-to-be three years ago through the Royal Choral Society in London, which they both are members of.

The pair were performing in the Royal Albert Hall's 'Classical Spectacular' concert when Stuart surprised his now fiancée with the proposal mid-show.

The local Scout leader contacted concert organisers in advance of the performance to arrange the spectacle for Rhea, who is originally from the Philippines.

Stuart told the Tele: "When I knew I wanted to propose to Rhea it felt extremely fitting to involve the Royal Choral Society, where we first met.

"I had originally thought I'd come to the end of the row where we sit in the choir stands, but the organisers helped me make it into a bigger spectacle and invited us both down the front.

"It was perfect and went better than I could have ever imagined."

Nurse Rhea, who works for the St Vincent's Hospice in Howwood, says she was 'in shock' at the romantic gesture.

The bride-to-be, who previously worked as a Covid-19 frontline nurse during the height of the pandemic, said: "When Stuart's name was called out and he was asked to come forward I guessed what might be happening.

"But I didn't even have time to process it, I was in total shock and a bit overwhelmed - especially when everyone started cheering and there was confetti.

"It was amazing and a moment I'll always remember."

The happy couple have no set plans to celebrate their union of yet, but hope to do something in Scotland and the Philippines.

Rhea added: "We came back from London and every day since we returned I've been working, so we've not had a proper chance to sit down and talk about our plans.

"I called my family in the Philippines and they were so happy.

"My mother is so proud.

"Stuart is the reason I moved from London to Scotland, so I think we'll perhaps celebrate a wedding here and fly over to do something with my family too.

"We have lots to look forward to."