A COUPLE got engaged on the dance floor in Penarth at a New Year's music event.

Jeff Small proposed to his partner Nicola Collard Bruce at Penarth Soul Club's New Year's Eve soul night at the Ex Servicemen's Club on Windsor Road.

Jeff and Nicola had their first date at Penarth Soul Club last New Year's Eve and have been attending their nights since it launched in 2014.

Mr Small had arranged with Shelley Barrett and Liam Curtin, Penarth Soul Club founders and DJs, that at 9.30pm they would play three records in order and he would pop the question during the second record, The Style Council’s You're the Best Thing.

The first record was Crying Over You by Duke Browner, one of Ms Bruce's favourite records and ensured she got up on the dance floor.

Then when the dance floor cleared for the slowed down beat of You're the Best Thing Jeff kissed Nicola before going down on one knee and proposing.

When the crowd realised what was going on there was a lot of cheering and hugs for the happy couple.

The third song of choice was I’ll be loving you by Soul Brothers Six which got everyone back up on the dance floor.

Mr Small first met at Penarth Soul Club's new year event in 2016 and got talking about music and gigs. 

They've since been to a number of music events together around the country and it was at an event in Brighton where he made the decision that he wanted to marry her.

Mr Small said: "It was then that I knew she was the one for me.

"I've known Liam (Curtin) for a number of years and he agreed to help out.

"It couldn't have gone better," said Mr Small.

"It (Penarth Soul Club) is the best place in Wales run by two fabulous people," he said.

"As soon as I got up, people sensed that something was going to happen and no one else was on the dancefloor.

"I was so nervous," he said.

"The hardest part was to keep it to myself until the night because I am not usually good at keeping ideas to myself."

"But it went really well. She had her hand over her eyes and was teary."

Mr Small, who is an accountant, said that he has received congratulations from many colleagues with some even asking him for advice.

Shelley Barrett from Penarth Soul Club said: "It was really emotional.

"Jeff and Nicola are good friends of Soul Club and great supporters.

"We wish them all the best and look forward to being asked to DJ at their wedding.

The next Penarth Soul Club night at the Ex Servicemen's Club is on January 20.

Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/penarthsoulclub and in person at the Ex’s and Griffin Books, Windsor Arcade and Mojo King upstairs at Cardiff Market.

Find out more at facebook.com/penarthsoulclub.