A Lonely Hearts Club is set to open in Hitchin, bringing welcome relief to singles sick of online dating.

The club will be held in The Barn at The Victoria pub on Ickleford Road, starting with an event for single people aged 25 to 40 on Wednesday, October 30. This event, which is almost sold out, will start at 7pm.

Then, on Wednesday, November 20, there will be an event for single people aged 35 to 50.

A spokesperson for the event said: "Sick of swiping? We want to take dating offline again, so grab your single mates or bring yourself along to our monthly Hertfordshire singles mixer.

"Join us in The Barn at The Victoria for a fun, relaxed event hosted by friends Katie and Kieran. They'll be there to greet you and make you feel comfortable.

"This is not a speed dating event, but a relaxed singles mixer. Your hosts are on hand to make you feel comfortable, but the night is yours to mix with other singles. Grab a drink from the bar and get mingling!"

Tickets, which are £11.55 for early birds and £22.38 otherwise, are available from eventbrite.co.uk. Just search for 'Lonely Hearts Club'.