Learning disabilities charity Mencap played cupid by organising a blind first date for members.

Following a similar set-up to the popular Channel 4 TV programme, First Dates, the event saw couples paired up for the first time as they entered the restaurant.

Emma Freeman, from Witney, said love and a relationship was a “long term” commitment.

The 29-year-old said: “I am hoping for someone who is nice, intelligent, someone I can talk to. I want him to have a job as well, I wouldn’t want a lazy guy.

“Love is supposed to make you happy. I want what other people of my age have.”

Twenty-one-year-old Will Davis from Banbury said he was looking forward to the opportunity to meet someone with similar interests.

He said: “I am hoping to get experience for future dates.

“I would like the person to be happy and enthusiastic. I love films and TV so I would hope they would also have an interest in them so we have something to talk about.

“It is not just about finding love, it is also about making friends and I hope that is what will happen.”

The event took place at Jamie’s Italian, in George Street, Oxford – with the restaurant paying for the couples' meals.

Gemma Jeffs, 30, who lives in Banbury, said: “Love means a life partner; someone there for the long run; somebody who is always there for you.

“If I don’t find love, I hope to find someone who likes the same things as I do so we can build a friendship on that.

“It is always nice meeting new people and starting friendships.”

Rachael Blakey, employment coordinator said the event was part of Learning Disability Awareness Week and aimed to encourage friendships and relationships.

She said: “We work with these guys getting them into work and supporting them through interviews, applications and employment. But a job is only one part of your life. We want to support them and their wellbeing as a whole.

“We want to encourage friendships and build relationships with this event.

“But of course, if something more does blossom, that would be fantastic.

“Disability or no disability everyone should have the opportunity to have love and relationships in their life; no one should be deprived of that.”