A RUGBY fan proposed to his girlfriend in front of more than 10,000 fans.

Hitesh Patel, chief executive of Halton Citizens Advice Bureau popped the question to Emma Cook as Warrington Wolves were being crushed by Wigan Warriors on Friday.

Hitesh, aged 43, a Labour councillor for Great Sankey, only made up earlier that morning.

He said: "We've been talking about getting married for ages but I still wanted to surprise her.

He informed the club about his plans and they made arrangements to have his 'Will you marry me' message posted onto the giant board at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"The half-time proposal, in front of thousands of fellow fans, completely took her by surprise.

"Even the Wigan fans were cheering for us.”

Emma, aged 37, from Redditch, is interim chief executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Relate.

The couple met several years ago during a work meeting.

Emma admits she was stunned with the half-time events but never had any doubt over which answer to give.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard my name being called and the marriage proposal appearing on the big screen and of course I said yes."

Wolves lost the Super League encounter 28-0 but nothing got in the way of the post-match celebrations for the couple.

Hitesh, from Warrington, who leads a team of staff and volunteers at Halton CAB, said: "We may have lost the match but I certainly feel like a winner.”

The couple plan to get married next year.