THE latest dating craze from the US is set to hit Worcester this month.

"Speed dating" involves a selection of people of a similar age group meeting at a pre-arranged venue.

Each "speeder" has three minutes to chat to other "speeders". If someone wants to find out more, they mark the other person's name on their "speeding card" and, if the feeling is mutual, they receive the other person's details by e-mail within 24 hours.

After being introduced to speed dating at a singles ball, Natalie Palmer, a Worcester-based businesswoman, immediately saw a need for the service in the city.

Relationship

"After being in a long-term relationship for seven years I was single for two years and with a busy lifestyle I found it increasingly difficult to meet new potential partners," said Miss Palmer.

"Speed dating is a fun and easy way to meet lots of new people in one night.

"There's no pressure and although three minutes isn't long enough to get to know someone, it's long enough to know if you want to find out more."

She said the craze had been "extensively featured" on national TV and in the Press and the TV show Sex and The City.

"If you're single and looking to meet up to 30 new prospective partners in one night, all from Worcestershire, in an informal, party atmosphere then Speed Dating UK makes it possible," she said.

The first event is due to take place in the private "Chill-Out" room at Bushwackers, Worcester, on Wednesday, March 19.

For more information, go to www.speeddatinguk. co.uk or phone Miss Palmer on 01905 27247.