PENSIONERS looking for love are bringing their tactics up to date - at speed-dating sessions.
The sessions came about after the Duchess of Northumberland asked local senior citizens how they would like to celebrate the creation of a new garden pavillion at Alnwick Castle.
The Duchess had expected a request for a tea dance from members of Northumberland Age Concern - but was surprised and delighted when she was told that many would prefer a chat-up to a cuppa.
Alnwick garden fundraising manager Elizabeth Smith said: "Speed-dating is not what you expect but it makes absolute sense - lots of older people want to have a go at new things."
Northumberland Age Concern Manager James Glover was less surprised however.
He said: "Speed-dating may seem like an unusual choice, but we get a lot of letters and a lot of requests asking if we can organise something where older people can meet people of the opposite sex.
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