THE dating game is set to hot up for fun-seeking singles as an American match-making craze heads to Preston.

Lonely hearts looking for fun, friendship or the man or woman of their dreams could find a quick fix solution at Fives, Guildhall Street, when the speed dating phenomenon gets in full swing on Wednesday, May 14.

Organisers of the short-cut soulmate search say the 'three minute' date and move-on challenge -- famously featured on television's saucy singles programme Sex in the City -- is the perfect way of finding a partner.

Elizabeth Clark, 33, flirt coach and managing director of Rapport Unlimited, organisers of the showdown, said: "People don't have the time or money to waste on endless dates.

"All we are doing is reducing the time and costs."

The principle of the new mating game works on an equal split of 40-60 people who spend three minutes chatting before moving on to their next 'date'.

At the end of the evening scorecards completed during the quick introductions are processed by Rapport and people are notified of their desired partners or friends within 48 hours.

Mother-of-two Elizabeth, who met her BT manager partner Glyn Powditch, 24, through a similar 'flirt date' gathering, is hopeful that people aged 24-39 will be spoilt for choice at the Preston bash.

"It's being advertised across the North West so we're expecting lots of potential partners," she said.

"It's great fun and rejection free. It gives people the chance to meet potential partners they might rule at first glance if they saw a picture of them on the Internet or at a dating agency.

"I'd have never met Glyn if I'd just had details about him. I always had an eye on the sort of guy I would go out with and I'd have thought he was too young.

"So it's important people keep an open mind and enjoy themselves."

The event is £20 per head at advance booking is essential.

For details log onto Rapport Unlimited or call Elizabeth on 0870 3500155.