A Norwich wildlife photographer has given a whole new meaning to 'love birds' after proposing to his girlfriend in the bell tower of Norwich Cathedral.
Chris Skipper, 42, has been capturing pictures of peregrines nesting on the spire of the cathedral since 2011, and it is how he met his girlfriend Kim Paul, 43, in March 2018.
Together, the couple from Costessey have been documenting the hatching and fledging of peregrines in the tower in the past month, and rather fittingly climbed the tower on Monday to witness the birds having rings placed around their feet.
The young peregrines are ringed by fully trained licenced bird ringers, who have been granted special access to the nesting platform.
Mr Skipper said they had originally planned to ring the birds around a week ago, but it had been raining all day and Miss Paul was unable to attend the occasion. "I thought 'why not propose up there while we are both up there?'" He said. "I have always wanted to propose to Kim in the bell tower, that would be perfect.
"The general public can't go in the spire so nobody else can do it, that's what made it special."
With less than a week to prepare, Mr Skipper rushed to buy a ring and hurriedly arranged a photographer to capture the special moment.
While on the way back down the tower on May 13, Mr Skipper dropped to one knee and popped the question to a stunned Miss Paul - 150ft in the air.
"I didn't realise it was going to be so rushed, I can't even remember what I said," he said. "I didn't have long, the peregrines don't like to be disturbed.
"She was in shock and surprised, she didn't see it coming.
"After I proposed, as we started to walk down, the bells started ringing."
Peregrines have been roosting in a box on the cathedral spire since 2011 and, thanks to the work of Fakenham-based Hawk and Owl Trust, wildlife lovers have been able to learn more about them at a watchpoint in the cathedral grounds.
A live webcam, which can be viewed on the Hawk and Owl Trust website, has given the public a chance to follow a family of peregrines nesting in the spire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here