IT'S fun and it's catching on so much that five more special evenings are being held in Salisbury during September.

The special events are speed-dating - the new way to meet more people and, perhaps, discover the perfect partner.

The first speed-dating evenings in the city were held in July and proved popular with both men and women.

For example, after going along to the Cathedral Hotel for his first-ever speed date, a Tisbury man told the Journal he had found the evening enjoyable and said his experience should "provide plenty of encouragement for people to get involved".

A woman who went along to the same evening said afterwards: "If you are feeling fed-up at home, give speed-dating a try.

"It is a fun way to meet new people."

The man from Tisbury said he felt after trying it out that it was best to ask such questions as "Is this the first time you have done anything like this?" or "What are you hoping to get out of this evening?".

He said: "Go into it with the right attitude.

"If you're looking for one special person, don't expect him or her to be there that evening.

"Set out to enjoy it - you are sure to meet some very nice people.

"In the unlikely event that you don't enjoy it, you will at least have had an interesting, memorable and worthwhile experience."

One of the women at the July evening said: "I felt nervous going to the event but I was met by a friendly girl collecting the tickets.

"After getting a drink, I was introduced to the other speed-daters."

She said it was easy to talk and listen, as the three-minute introduction period was soon over.

"When the event ended, our cards were collected and we went to the bar for more socialising - it was great.

"If you and a man tick a 'yes' for each other, that is a match and the organiser phones you to let you know.

"It is up to you if you want to arrange a meeting.

"I was matched and we met the following Saturday and had a good evening."

Some changes have been made for the September evenings in a bid to attract different age ranges and to encourage more men to take part.

The first evening will be on September 2, at the Milford Hall Hotel, for men and women aged from 35 to 45.

On September 16, also at the Milford Hall, the evening will be for those aged 45 to 55.

September 9 will be for the 23-35 age-group and will be at the Cathedral Hotel.

The same age-group will have a second evening at the Cathedral Hotel on September 23, and a third session, also at the Cathedral Hotel, on September 30.