A YOUNG York couple spent Christmas on Cloud Nine after a romantic proposal on the steps of York Minster.

Liam Gray was shaking so much as he went down on one knee that Jessica Miller had to hold his hands to steady them.

She had no idea her long-term boyfriend had finally decided to pop the question. She thought they were just going to a carol service.

But when he said: “Will you marry me?” she had no hesitation.

“Yes, of course I will,” she replied.

“I cannot believe we are really engaged, that it is actually happening,” said Liam afterwards. “I know it is normally women who are more soppy and romantic, but I am still on Cloud Nine.”

He said he had been quite calm as they walked into the city centre.

But as they rounded the last corner and he could see the Minster ahead, he was suddenly struck by nerves and by the time it came to the chosen moment he was shaking.

The couple, both 22, from Leeman Road, York, have yet to announce the date, but the celebrations began immediately at a traditional Christmas Eve get-together of family and friends.

They spent part of Christmas with his family and part of Christmas with her family.

Liam and Jessica have been together for six years.