AS MORE of a Bridget Jones than a Brigitte Bardot I have had more than my fair share of romantic disasters.

So it was with trepidation that I headed off to Ewood Park in Blackburn to take part in the latest craze sweeping the nation... speed dating.

I have to admit I was dragged to the evening kicking and screaming but 20 dates later I was a convert to the idea.

As I walked into the club's Millennium Lounge and spotted 40 men and women swarming around, my initial reaction was to run away. I was petrified.

But after a few drinks from the bar and some words of reassurance from the very professional and helpful staff at 3 Minute Match, I was ready to begin.

I sat down at my table, which was covered in a crisp, white tablecloth and decorated with some romantic confetti, and waited for my dates to join me.

Admittedly the first date could have gone better.

It was a little bit awkward as we both sat and looked at each other and I managed to come up with the really original question of: "What is your name then?"

But as the evening went on my confidence grew and I actually found myself having fun.

I met a lot of nice people and had some interesting conversations.

I even found on some occasions that three minutes was not long enough.

Each candidate is issued with a badge numbered from one to 20 at the beginning of the evening and is given a scorecard with the corresponding numbers.

After each date, if you are interested in meeting the person again you circle their number; if they also circle your number you have a match and you are given each other's contact details.

I won't tell you how many matches I got, but let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.

Overall, speed dating is a great way to find prospective partners and even if you come away empty-handed it is a fun night out and a good way to meet new people.

If I can do it anyone can.