MOST 45-year-old males would be grateful for a little love and affection on Valentine's Day - especially from a younger lady.

But while Nelson the chimpanzee may be the oldest swinger in town, he is not keen to surrender his bachelor status on the most romantic day of the year.

Nelson has not been best impressed by the efforts of his keepers at Flamingo Land, near Malton, North Yorkshire, to play Cupid.

Nelson, who at 45 is the attraction's longest-serving resident, has been alone since losing his long-term partner, Julie, in 2003.

After building a new enclosure for him, keepers decided to perk him up with a little love interest.

Fifteen-year-old Copper arrived five weeks ago, but while the pair bonded as friends, Nelson has shied away from any monkey business - much to Copper's growing frustration.

Unwilling to accept defeat, Copper's amorous persistence is now beginning to tire out her ageing companion.

What Nelson does not know is that things are about to get much worse. Two more female chimps are due to arrive in two weeks' time to vie for his affections.

Melanie Wood, Flamingo Land marketing director, said: "After a year without any chimpanzee company, Nelson is very happy that Copper is there.

"Unfortunately for her, he sees her as a playmate rather than a love interest.

"The life expectancy of a chimpanzee is around 55 years, so at his time of life the attentions of a young female might be the last thing on his mind.

"With Valentine's Day upon us, we can only hope that Cupid's arrow will strike, otherwise we are going to have one frustrated female chimpanzee.

"Nelson may have rejected her as his new partner, but who knows how he is going to cope when he is fending off the attentions of three amorous females."