ALMOST three years after being drawn in hook, line and sinker', a Latchford woman is taking advantage of the leap year tradition by proposing to her soul mate.

Natalie Markey, aged 26, was instantly attracted to Ben Smith, also 26, when he cheekily pretended to catch her on an imaginary fishing line in Mr Smith's nightclub.

Impressed with his courage and humour, Natalie allowed herself to be reeled in and has never looked back.

The advertising rep who is is orginally from south London, decided to stay in Warrington after leaving university in Liverpool because of her love for Ben.

She said: "It's a leap year and I think that sometimes he wants to do things the traditional way, so I decided to surprise him and do it through the paper.

"He is my soul mate and I couldn't imagine life without him."

Natalie's son, nine-year-old Charlie, gave his mum the okay to propose and has managed to keep the secret under wraps - with the exception of telling his school friends.

If Ben says yes, Charlie has offered to sing the Bette Midler hit, The Rose at their wedding.

Natalie, said: "Ben has taken on my son as well as me - we are complete. Charlie gets on really well with Ben - they are both Everton fanatics."

The family set up their home in October when they moved into a house on Griffiths Street, Latchford.

She added: "I wanted to show that romance wasn't dead. Marriage is about commitment not big weddings.

"So Ben, you've got me hook line and sinker... will you marry me?"

Keep checking this page to find out whether Ben said yes.