According to the Association of British Introduction Agencies, the use of dating services has increased by 37 per cent over the past year, which means that not only are lonely hearts big business, but there are a lot on the market.

FIND A FRIEND

* www.speeddating.co.uk - probably the best known of the dating organisations

* www.epndating.com - love, romance and friendship for African and CARIBBEAN SINGLES

* www.matchpoints.co.uk - offers free on-line introductions

* www.DatingDirect.com - more than a million members

* www.makefriendsonline.com - search for romance in your area SOCIAL WHIRL

* www.devonsocialgroup.com - social events and activities for people living in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

* www.solitairesocialclub.info - west Surrey and north-east Hampshire

* www.singlesgrapevine.co.uk - Milton Keynes, Bucks

* www.mingles.co.uk - dance group for single over-30s in Porthcawl, Wales SPORTING CHANCE

* www.twistedmartini.co.uk - from sky diving to Martini

* www.tennisholidays.co.uk - Jholiday resorts for singles with golf, tennis and other sports CULTURE VULTURES

* www.chambermusicholidays.co.uk - if you love music, with trips to Florence, Prague and Vienna

* www.danceholidays.com - swing, salsa, belly-dancing, latin WANDERLUST

* www.explore.co.uk - the masters of the group

* www.travelsphere.co.uk - holidays for single travellers, in north America and Europe

* www.solitairhols.co.uk - “unspoilt, exotic and captivating” locations