A LIVERPUDLIAN couple who started a love affair with York after dating and getting engaged within the city walls, have pledged to tie the knot here.

John Smith, 43, brought Tracey Brady, 38, to York on their first date five years ago.

After many more visits to York, John proposed under the stars outside York Minster - and set the date for June 21, at Clifton Methodist Church.

John contacted the Evening Press to surprise his fiance.

He said: "We both really love York. Everyone has always been so nice and friendly to us and the streets always seem clean and tidy with nice architecture. We thought it would be really nice to get married here.

"We wanted to have the ceremony in the Minster but the politics of it weren't really feasible, then we thought about the register office then we thought about Clifton and settled on that. It will be really special for us."

The pair have been regularly visiting York for five years.

More than 50 friends and relatives will make the journey from Liverpool to share their big day.

Updated: 09:12 Friday, June 13, 2003