'There's a church bell ringing' after a Norwich couple got engaged live on stage at a Peter Kay gig.

Stephanie Mann, 55, and Steve Drury, 53, have been together for four years and Mr Drury had recently spoken to his son Oliver, 17, from a previous relationship, to get his blessing to propose.

Soon after that, Oliver got a job at a jewellery shop in Norwich and encouraged his dad to look at rings, which focused Mr Drury's mind on popping the question before Christmas. 

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Drury and Stephanie Mann got engaged in front of 12,000 people. Steve Drury and Stephanie Mann got engaged in front of 12,000 people. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Drury had managed to book tickets to Peter Kay's sold-out show last Saturday (December 17) at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.

He kept it under wraps as the pair were travelling to the city for the weekend anyway to see UB40 on the Sunday. 

Eastern Daily Press: The wedding ring given to Stephanie. The wedding ring given to Stephanie. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Drury, a delivery driver, had the ring in his pocket and a handwritten letter which he hoped would reach the Bolton-born comic on the night.

Miss Mann was delighted with the surprise and once they took their seats he sneaked off, pretending he needed the loo, to give the letter to a member of staff. 

Eastern Daily Press: Peter Kay, dressed as Santa, on stage with the happy couple in Birmingham. Peter Kay, dressed as Santa, on stage with the happy couple in Birmingham. (Image: Supplied)

He then went to get a drink in the interval and the man he had spoken to before said the proposal had been given the green light. 

Mr Drury said: "Towards the end of the show we were escorted from our seats to the back of the stage and Peter Kay read out my letter -  I was really nervous as there were more than 12,000 people."

Eastern Daily Press: Peter Kay has been invited to their wedding. Peter Kay has been invited to their wedding. (Image: PA)

Peter Kay, wearing a Santa outfit, teased Miss Mann that she was doing karaoke before giving the floor to her partner who got down on one knee and when she said yes the trio had a group hug.

He added: "I knew she was the one not long after we got together and she has a heart of gold." 

Eastern Daily Press: The happy couple - Steve Drury and Stephanie Mann. The happy couple - Steve Drury and Stephanie Mann. (Image: Supplied)

Miss Mann, a legal secretary, said: "Peter was so accommodating and such a lovely guy and Steve proposing to me on stage was perfect.

"My message to Peter Kay is a massive thank you and he is invited to the wedding!" 

The pair are planning to tie the knot in 2025.