BUSINESSMAN Rob O'Brian is hoping that where there's love there's money.

For the man known across Gwent for bringing line-dancing to the area is now turning his attention to the new craze of speed-dating.

He said the craze which allows people to meet lots of potential partners in a short space of time was perfect for the new city of Newport.

"Believe me, there are a lot of people out there who want to find a partner and are not served very well by the avenues that are available."

Mr O'Brian, who lives in Coed-kernew, explained how the system works. "You chose a city and an age group online and click on the 'click here for more information' link. You will pay £20 online and receive a confirmation e-mail via our secure payment system.

Speed-dating evenings are then held in different venues and people taking part are met by a host who hands out scorecard, name badge and pen.

Once everyone has arrived the dating begins, the women stay seated and the men rotate around the room.

After a three minute chat the bell rings and off they go again onto the next person.

"After each date the participants mark on their scorecard if they would like to see the person again. At the end of the evening everyone takes their scorecards home to enter the ticks online on our website," he explained. Mr O'Brian says speed-dating tends to attract professional people in the 25-55 age-range.

Newport's first taste of speed dating will be at Breeze bar in Cambrian Road tonight at 8 pm and at the Potters on Thursday at the same time. Inital contact with the scheme must be made via their website.

More details are available from Rob O'Brian on 01633 680494 or rob.ob@virgin.net or www.ukspeeddate.com