Tower Bridge's open secret

Valentine's Day came early when Tower Bridge was opened specially last night for Danny O'Connor to propose to his love Clare McGettigan.

Mr O'Connor, 28, pleaded with the Corporation of London to allow him to take his would-be wife onto the bridge, currently closed to traffic and pedestrians for maintenance until February 16.

Unaware of Mr O'Connor's plans, Miss McGettigan, 26, thought she had been invited to the reopening of the bridge, which she has adored ever since she moved to London from Carlisle six years ago.

Mr O'Connor, "fairly confident" she would accept, dropped on to one knee near the south tower and slipped the ring on his girlfriend's trembling finger.

She said afterwards: "Every time I see this bridge it reminds me why I love London. I can't believe he planned it all without me realising.

"He even had an official letter. I just can't believe it. I never thought he would be able to surprise me like this. I'm so happy."

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