FOLLOWING a last minute hitch in the plans, when it could all so easily have fallen apart, word came through that the Adver's attempts to try to find a little love in Swindon had gone to plan.

As reported in Thursday's paper, reporters Anna Mansell and Stephanie Tye hit the town centre streets this week to Streetmate two single Swindonians in time for the annual love-fest that is Valentine's Day.

Willing candidates Claire Hirt and Nick Gregorace arrived at The Old Bank, in Wood Street, to be greeted by their generous host for the night, Manni Madhani, with a bottle of champagne.

Claire, a BP employee, spotted Nick at work in HSBC and with a bit of gentle persuasion he agreed to take part in our mission, based on the Davina McCall and Holly Willoughby TV show Streetmate.

Claire, 35, said: "The champagne was a lovely surprise, so we drank that while we perused the menu, with a very helpful and friendly waitress who had to keep coming back as we were both laughing and talking.

"Manni was fantastic, and had reserved us a lovely table near the back ensuring that we could have a nice conversation and both enjoy the live jazz band."

Seeing as a love of music was one of Claire's criteria in finding a suitable date, the man and the venue were a good choice, matching the live jazz with Nick, who is the former lead singer with Swindon band Fry and is now working on his own material.

Claire said: "It was a lovely evening. I thought Nick was an absolute gent and had perfect manners. He was dressed really nicely too, and told me I looked lovely.

"When it came to having our pictures taken for the Adver, Nick and I kept giggling and thinking it was like a Hello shoot.

"At the end of the date he gave me kiss on the cheek, and a hug. I went home thinking what a lovely man and great company.

"He's a handsome chap with a great personality to match."

With tickets for a band they both like in hand, Claire has asked Nick if he'd like to go too.

She said: "I think he is going to check his busy social diary and get back to me - so watch this space."

Unfortunately Nick could not be contacted yesterday due to work commitments.