LOVE could be in the air for a lucky few as a disability speed dating night is to be launched in East Lancashire.

U-Night provides various events for people with physical and mental difficulties and has launched a friendship and dating agency ‘Meet N Match’.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The agency, which started on the Fylde coast, supports and encourages people to form close friendships and relationships through a members-only matching service, and is now expanding, hoping to help singles with disabilities in Hyndburn find love.

The first ‘no-pressure’ event will be a disco held at the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre in Oswaldtwistle on Friday, August 19, from 6.30pm until 10pm.

The social enterprise, based in Lytham St Annes, has received £50,000 from The Health Lottery to expand its work.

If events go well in Hyndburn it hopes to offer the service across East Lancashire.

The Oswaldtwistle event will have a disco, bar, dancing and a speed dating activity for those that want to have a go.

Lucy Hamlin, Project and Events co-ordinator at U-Night, said: “This is the first event in East Lancashire from Meet ‘N’ Match.

“I chose Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre as it’s a great venue accessible to all.

“If successful, we hope to have regular events in the area.

“It’s about meeting new people and we thought that speed dating element would enable people to make connections in a fun and exciting way.

“There is no pressure to get involved, we just want people to have a good time.”

The group is looking for Hyndburn residents who want to get involved with either volunteering or taking part.

Sue Sharples, U-Night group founder and chairman, said: “Generally, people with a learning disability have limited opportunities to meet their peers and to form lasting connections.

“Our members have told us that this leads to them feeling lonely, isolated and depressed.

“We hope that this will be one way of improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing.”

Tickets cost £5 and can be bought from the theatre in Union Road or by calling Ms Hamlin on 07762 964728.