DOZENS of men from the Isle of Wight are needed to take part in an organised speed dating walk on May 4.

Sixty women have registered for the event but only a handful of men have signed up.

The walk from Shanklin to Sandown and back via a local pub is being organised as part of the Isle of Wight Council's annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Already two couples who met during the speed walk have got married and a third have become engaged.

Walking festival organiser Elaine Cesar said: "The speed dating walk has been very popular in previous years but this time there seems to be a reluctance of males to take part. Perhaps they are shy.

"At least those who take part will not be facing too much competition!"

For more information on the walking festival, contact Elaine Cesar on 07970 009909 or visit isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.