SINGLE people in York are to have the chance to find romance - and save the planet at the same time.

An environmental charity is using the city to introduce the world to eco-dating, a new form of match-making.

The organisers are BTCV, the largest practical conservation charity in the country.

According to the charity, eco-dating is speed dating for environmentally-conscious singles aged 20-40 and organisers believe the up-coming event to be the first of its kind in the world.

Speed dating, for the uninitiated, originated in the United States in late 1990s as a way for busy singles to meet a new partner.

A large group of single people meet in a bar or club, pair off and chat for just a few minutes, before a bell rings and they move on to the next person for another quick-fire "date".

Once they have all met each other, the participants advise the organisers which date they would like to see again. Providing the other party feels the same, you have a match.

Eco-dating seeks to take the speed dating idea, and do a little for the environment at the same time - by planting a hedgerow to restore the environment.

On arrival at the event, participants will be informed how to plant a section of hedge and will then be split into pairs.

From then on, the pairs have ten minutes to chat while they plant, before moving on to plant another section and another date.

The event is part of a project aimed at restoring local hedgerows and is funded by national small grants programme Breathing Spaces.

The event will take place on Bootham Stray, between 11am and 2pm, on February 9, the Saturday before St Valentine's Day. It is free to take part, and refreshments of hot drinks and cookies will be provided.

Spaces are limited however, so if you are interested, phone BTCV York on 01904 644300 or via email at york@btcv.org.uk.