A DATING agency in the region is desperate seeking single men to balance its books.

Lesley Brewer has launched a matchmaking service from her home near Malton, North Yorkshire, and is keen to attract new members.

After working for a training organisation that helped unemployed people and at a college, mentoring students, she decided she was ready to go it alone.

The 48-year-old said: "My life has always revolved around people. I was regarded as the quiet one in the family and, instead, I would like to people-watch.

"Many people think I am a good judge of character. I think it is a natural quality I have to be able to match up couples.

"I decided that I wanted to work with people in a very positive way and that is what led me to starting The Introduction Company."

Lesley invested her own money to transform an area of her home at Brawby into a self-contained office and launched the agency in August last year.

She is working towards becoming a member of the Association of British Introduction Agencies.

The company has attracted people from York, Thirsk, and Northallerton to East Yorkshire. So far, Lesley has about 35 people on her books, the majority of them women.

"It is more difficult to attract men than it is women," she said.

"But I think men would be surprised at the calibre of women I do have on the books, there are some real high-fliers."

Lesley likes to think her company will always retain a personal touch, with her vetting each candidate before setting up dates.

"I think the unique thing about The Introduction Company is that I meet everybody. I don't just look at people's files, I physically meet these people and get to know them properly," she said.

"I think I can judge well who would be suited and who wouldn't.

"I set up the first meeting and don't give any personal details away beforehand. It is a true blind date and really quite exciting.

"People who come to me are heavily screened and checked and I wouldn't be afraid to reject anyone if I wasn't sure."

For more information about The Introduction Company, visit www.theintroduc tioncompany.co.uk, or call Lesley on (01653) 669430.