ROMANCE was high up in the air for one lucky couple this Valentine’s as they enjoyed a magical evening in at the top of a historic clock tower.

Darlington couple Marij Hyde and Ross McLay enjoyed dinner for two in a magical dining room created just for them at the very top of the iconic market clock tower in the centre of the town.

The tower was transformed with fairy lights and balloons by staff from The Keys bar and restaurant, in Skinnergate, as part of a competition organised on its Facebook page to find a couple worthy of a special treat.

Miss Hyde and Mr McLay were kept in the dark about the venue for their romantic dinner until the very last moment, when they were led through the streets of Darlington to the tower, just as the clock chimed 7pm.

The tower was festooned with fairy lights to guide the way to the top of the tower, above the clock face, where they enjoyed a three course meal with an amazing view of the town and beyond.

“We are over the moon with winning the competition, especially as it is our final Valentine’s before we become Mr and Mrs McLay,” said Miss Hyde.

“We couldn't wait to find out what was in store for the evening, the suspense was killing us.

“It’s just fantastic what they’ve done, we can’t believe it.”

Paul Rowntree, area manager for The Keys, said: “This idea is probably one of the quirkiest I've ever come up with - I'm hoping Marij and Ross love the idea, enjoyed their evening and remember it for a long, long time.”

Meanwhile, shoppers in Darlington’s Cornmill Centre were helped to get into the Valentine’s spirit with the help of singing waiters, free chocolate and roses and a special photo booth where couples could pose together.