‘Flash’ proposal in Cromer

Cromer Pier was like a scene from a romantic Hollywood movie, after months of planning concluded with a successful marriage proposal in the sunset.

Melanie Algate said “Yes” when brave Lee Black, 31, popped the question.

A series of romantic messages lined the length of the pier, as Lee led the unsuspecting Melanie, 26, towards Cromer Pavilion Theatre.

Suddenly a flash-mob dance routine outside the pavilion theatre burst into action. The  last message, held up by Melanie’s sons Ajay, nine, and four-year-old Ashton, read: “Mummy, Lee has something important to ask you.”

The dancers surrounded a tearful Melanie in a circle and threw confetti before Lee got down on one knee, popped the question and placed a diamond engagement ring on her finger. “How could I say ‘no’?” she joked.

She said it was a total surprise: “It was so emotional for me – I knew Lee was romantic, but I didn’t know he could plan all this, I’m completely overwhelmed.”

Lee, who owns Cromer Trading Centre, on the town’s Mount Street, said he had been very nervous and shaking as they left the Red Lion pub, where they had been having a drink.

He told Melanie that they were picking up tickets for the forthcoming Oliver production from the pavilion box office.

“I don’t think she suspected anything,” he said.

Natalie Sands, from Marlene’s School of Dance in Cromer, planned the flash-mob routine, using 16 dancers who performed to Bruno Mars’ Marry You.

The couple met in a bar in Cromer and have been together for 18 months.