A couple from western Canada are getting hitched following a surprise engagement at the end of Castletown breakwater.

Irishman Thomas O’Grady popped the question to Lindsay Stepney by the breakwater lighthouse after a secret plan was hatched.

Lindsay is from St Albert, Alberta. Thomas, who is originally from County Clare, moved to St Albert several years ago. She’s a nurse and he’s a carpenter.

The pair were introduced by friends last year.

Both had made separate plans for Christmas - Lindsay to see her sister in the island and Thomas going home to see his parents in Ennis, County Clare.

But Lindsay’s sister Dr Erin Stepney, a research manager in the Manx government’s economic affairs unit, was brought in to bring the two together so Thomas could pop the question.

Erin explained: ’They weren’t thrilled to be spending Christmas apart, but agreed that rescheduling would be too tricky.

’Thomas, however, secretly wasn’t having it, and he contacted me to arrange to come over for just one night and surprise Lindsay.

’No one knew he was planning to propose, although Lindsay had long since told Thomas - in exact and painstaking detail - exactly what sort of ring she’d like.’

The moment came when the couple were on a solitary walk out to Castletown quay.

Erin said: ’When they came back to my house on Hope Street and my sister flashed her fourth finger at me, I was halfway through making a batch of toffee brownies, which we promptly renamed ’Engagement Brownies’ in the recipe book.’

The family celebrated by having a few rounds at The George in Castletown.

The wedding will take place on June 4 in Ennis.