‘ He kept asking what I thought of him. I said he had nice eyes ’

EMMA, 41 VITAL STATISTICS

SINGLE for ten years, never married. My dogs Dolly and Bear are my babies.

CURRENT ROLE

TEACHING assistant.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

I’M INCREDIBLY keen to be a mum so I’m looking for someone family-oriented; they need to want children. Humour and confidence are important attributes, too.

DATING PAST

On DATING sites, I seem to attract the idiots and scammers. I’ve been asked for money three times — although I never gave them any.

When each birthday comes around I do get a bit depressed because it’s another year that’s gone by without finding Mr Right.

My parents put me forward for this; they’re worried about me because they know I want a family.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I’ve been on so many dates that I just get on with it, nowadays. I decided to wear a pair of blushpink trousers with a black bodysuit and a white jacket.

When I got to the restaurant, I thought I’d spotted my date sitting at a table on his own. I did check first with the waiting staff that it was him, just in case I introduced myself to an unsuspecting stranger!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I ARRIVED on time, I think Tom had been there for a while before me. he has nice eyes and the type of physique I usually go for.

EASY TO TALK TO?

Yes — Tom is the king of oneliners. he made me laugh a lot.

The conversation between us went quite deep for a first date. Tom is a carer for his mum, and he used to be a welder until an eye injury ended his career. as a result he can’t drive, and I did feel for him.

as for me, I talked about my dogs and Tom was lovely about them; he showed me pictures of his cats.

We ordered drinks straightaway, a gin and tonic for me and a vodka and cola for Tom, but he took ages to decide what to order. I had seabass and, in the end, Tom decided to have a fish risotto. We had chips, too.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

NO, BUT Tom did keep on asking what I thought of him. so I kept on

telling him he has nice eyes.

DID SPARKS FLY?

PROBABLY not. There was just something missing for me and not the spark I’d hoped to feel.

SEE HIM AGAIN?

I DON’T think so. While it was a lovely sunday afternoon, it isn’t fair to lead someone on.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

he Told me that he liked me and that I’m a nice person.

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIKE HIM?

MY FRIENDS would have a laugh with him, but my mum and dad would know he isn’t for me and is not my type.

EMMA’S VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED? Tom is really easy to talk to.

REGRETS? No.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.