A FORMER Bolton wrestling coach and Olympian sparked alarm bells when he took a trip to the top of the Empire State Building with his partner.

The metal detectors on the security system in the New York City skyscraper almost ruined the surprise John Turner was planning for his partner, Lynne Schofield.

It was 10 years ago that the former wrestler, security expert and Elvis enthusiast who also staged rock ’n’ roll nights at Tonge Ward Labour Club, vowed to Lynne that “one day I’ll put a ring on your finger on top of the Empire State Building”.

The years rolled by and although Lynne, who met John while she was running a shop in Little Lever, did not forget what he had said, she never thought he would remember his promise.

So much so that when metal detectors twice went off during their journey up the Manhattan landmark, which is 1,250ft high, Lynne, from Tyldesley, never dreamt it was an engagement ring that was tripping the system.

But, fortunately, for John, from Leigh, understanding security staff played along with his plan. “Lynne walked through the metal detector, but I set it off twice,”

he said.

“Fortunately, I spied a chance to show the box with the ring to the female security guard and when it beeped again the guard played along with the surprise and said ‘It’s your shoes’.

On the 86th floor, they walked round the observatory three times then John put his arm around Lynne’s shoulders, put his hand in his pocket and asked if he could put the ring on her finger.

John said: “I said it quietly, but people were watching. There were Japanese, Italians and Germans and soon about 30 people were applauding.”

Delighted Lynne added: “It really was a shock. I do remember him making that promise, but I never thought he would have remembered after 10 years. “It was a lovely surprise.