FIREWORKS night went off with a bang for two couples as they got engaged.

Maldon’s magnificent display in Promenade Park was the romantic location of choice for two fiancés-to-be.

Maldon Rotary Club helped orchestrate the two proposals on the night.

Daniel Daley, 30, was the first to get down on one knee as he proposed to his girlfriend Hannah Harber, 25, from Mundham, Norfolk.

Daniel, of Manningtree, said: “Hannah has been so very supportive this year which has been a really difficult one as my mum has been very ill – I really don’t know how I would have got through the year.

“She’s been there every time I’ve needed her. She’s been an absolute rock to me and it’s nice to find someone like that.

“I wanted to thank Hannah with a really nice proposal to make it extra special – just glad she said yes.

“This is the first time we’ve been to Maldon. My sister went last year and spoke highly of the place, so we thought we would go this year – great first impression.

“I really can’t thank Leigh and the team for organising it. We had a script and we planned the setting.

“I suffer from anxiety and when I read out my speech, there may have been 5,000 people around me when I spoke.”

The next proposal of the night came from couple Ben Youngs, 36, and Lorna Bolton, 37, from Grays.

They had been together for 15 years and have been coming to the Maldon fireworks night annually since then.

Mum of two Lorna, originally from Goldhanger, said: “We’ve been going together for the last 15 years, it’s a nice thing.

“We’ve enjoyed it as a couple and we’ve enjoyed it with the kids. We went to the fireworks and Ben kept looking over his shoulder a bit distracted.

“Then he went away and said, ‘back in a minute’ and smiled.

“As the fireworks finished, I turned and saw someone with a mic say my name.

“As he was getting on his knee, I rushed over and when he pulled out the ring, I was crying. I was so happy.

“We heard the first announcement earlier and he said, ‘that would’ve been a good idea’.

“The kids were happy and jumping around too. It’s nice too because they have been asking him for ages when we would share the same last name.”

More than 4,000 visitors attending the fireworks.

Maldon Rotary Chairman Ian Weller added: “We are thrilled not only to have put on another safe and sparkling night of fireworks to raise money for Rotary charities but also to have helped start off the proposals of two happy couples.

“We wish them long and happy lives together.”