A MEMBERS-only club in Darlington is bringing "speed dating" to the town.

The Atlantic Bar and Club for the over-25s market will begin the regular sessions next month.

Speed dating offers participants the option of meeting up to 40 potential dates in one evening, by talking to each for just three minutes before moving on to the next date.

It is already enjoying success in London and started in the North-East, in Newcastle, earlier this year.

Bar owners Les Langley and Magnus Wilson have teamed up with Teesside-radio station TFM to offer the speed dating sessions.

Mr Langley said: "TFM have been doing some research for us into the concept and they will be publicising it in the week leading up to the first session.

"Details of how to take part will be broadcast then and people will be able to enrol on the TFM website, too."

Mr Langley said the Atlantic bar, which opened earlier this year, had attracted 1,000 members in the past two weeks, bringing the membership total to more than 2,000.

The bar, in the former RAFA club, in Duke Street, Darlington, has a late licence until 2am on most days and is aimed at couples and single professionals over 25. The first speed dating session will be held on July 4.

Anyone interested in joining the club can call Mr Langley on 07767 771541 for more details.