Tony Prezio conjured up a scene fit for a Christmas classic when he popped the question to his girlfriend on a Christmas carousel in the centre of Hitchin on Saturday.

The Comet: Tony Prezio proposed to his girlfriend Kate Holt on the carousel in Hitchin Market PlaceTony Prezio proposed to his girlfriend Kate Holt on the carousel in Hitchin Market Place (Image: Archant)

Videographer Tony of HitchinTV didn’t even have a camera to hand to capture the moment that Kate Holt said yes.

He’d brought the ring a week before but had no idea where to propose. The 30-year-old said: “I had thought about taking her to a restaurant but she wasn’t up for that, so I kept the ring on me until I found the right time.

“We were in Market Place going on the ride and I thought it could be the perfect opportunity.”

A nervous Tony boarded the ride with Kate, 28, and made his move in front of onlooking crowds.

The Comet: Tony Prezio proposed to his girlfriend Kate Holt on the carousel in Hitchin Market PlaceTony Prezio proposed to his girlfriend Kate Holt on the carousel in Hitchin Market Place (Image: Archant)

“When the ride was in motion I pulled the ring out,” he said. “She was in shock but eventually she realised it wasn’t a joke and said yes!

“I was really happy and a little tearful – and a bit worried at first because she burst into tears.”

NHS technical instructor Kate – who has been with Tony for more than five years – said: “It was a complete surprise and I was not expecting it.

“It was very romantic as it was close to where we first met 51/2 years ago – I am over the moon and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with Tony.”

Hitchin ranger Hazel Wisbey, who saw the proposal, added: “Everyone was so surprised, it was lovely and such a great setting – Tony has proved that romance is very much alive in Hitchin.”

The vintage carousel was one of the festive attractions laid on to attract shoppers to the town in the run-up to Christmas