IT was to have been one of the most romantic gestures in one of the world's most romantic cities.

Tony McElwee had spent weeks planning to propose to his girlfriend atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

But the moment was shattered when a Frenchman in his 50's jumped 150 feet from the first stage of the tower to his death.

His girlfriend Joanne Bean captured the tragic fall on film as Mr McElwee, 22, posed for a photograph at the base of the tower - moments before they were due to ascend.

The couple, from Middlesbrough, then crossed the road to find people gathered around the victim's body, little realising they had snapped the incident on camera.

As a result of the death, the tower was closed and Mr McElwee was forced to delay his surprise marriage proposal.

Miss Bean, 24, said: "We didn't really know what had happened when we saw the body, and as far as we know he could have been involved in a road accident.

"When we did find out I remarked to Tony that he may be in the photo, but then thought nothing of it as it did not seem likely. "When we got the photos back we didn't see the man falling and it was only when I showed my dad, Dave, that he pointed it out.

"I was really shocked to see him in the picture, but it is one of only two that came out."

Mr McElwee did finally propose when the returned to the tower two days later on her 24th birthday.

She said: "I was a bit nervous about going to the top of the tower after what had happened and did need some coaxing up the stairs, but I am so glad I did now.

"I didn't know Tony was going to propose and it confused me as he asked me in French. However, there were lots of people cheering and clapping and so I guessed.

"Of course I said yes, and despite what happened a few days before I have been walking on air ever since." The couple, who have been together eight months, plan to marry next year, although as yet they have set no firm date.