A DATING service for people with learning disabilities which has introduced 15 couples and arranged more than 100 dates, is looking for funding to continue.

Mates ’n Dates was launched in October 2007, and now has almost 250 members across Oxfordshire.

Guideposts Trust, based in Witney, co-ordinates the service on behalf of Oxford Learning DisabilityPartnership Board, the Ridgeway Partnership and the charities Kingwood and Style Acre.

Mates ’n’ Dates co-ordinator Hannah Wolstenholme, 30, said: “We have chaperoned 68 dates so far this year, and many have led to further dates and even relationships. There are 15 couples we know of who have found love and many more who have made great friends, and that’s what it is all about.”

Mates ’n’ Dates recruits members, aged 18-80 through day centres, charities and word of mouth, and organises social events like barn dances, bi-monthly speed-dating and a ball. Nearly 80 people attended the last speed-dating event.