A HEREFORD restaurant had its first proposal take place and she said yes.

Graham Bethell popped the question on a Saturday evening in May to Julie Stephens after their dinner at The Den in West Street.

The couple have been dating for 15 months and Mr Bethell, 42, chose the Hereford eatery as it is one of their favourite places to eat.

Ms Stephens, 42, said: "It was really unexpected for me."

Chef and co-owner, Gavin Morgan, created a spun sugar basket for the ring and wrote Marry Me in chocolate, while co-owner Helena Le Maistre bought roses to go with it.

Co-owner and general manager, Jade Owen, brought it over to their table and Mr Bethell got down on one knee.

It is the first proposal in the restaurant, which has been open for 18 months.

Mr Bethell, who has a son, and Ms Stephens, who has a daughter and son, plan to get married in 2017 in Cyprus.

Together they have been running Hereford Hot Tub Hire since January.