We've had blind dating - so how about bling dating?

Stretch limousines were once the preserve of the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and P Diddy.

However, a growing number of the vehicles have made it to these shores and one Brighton and Hove owner has come up with the concept of putting the "bling bling" into making friends and forming relationships.

Chris Ward, 46, of Hangleton Way, Hangleton, said: "It's like blind dating in a stretch limo.

"The idea is to get four single chaps and four single women, offer them champagne, flowers and chocolates and drive them around for a few hours, perhaps out to a country pub.

"I have spoken to lots of people who have been on blind dates and been speed dating but I've never heard of people going out in a limo and being treated really well.

"It's all coming together now and the initial figure I have come to is £40 per person, which includes two hours in the limo, champagne, roses and chocolates."

Chris, who also DJs at parties and weddings, recently bought the limousine from a friend.

He said: "In America these limos are like buses but here they are a talking point.

"I only have one at the moment but business is really picking up and I hope eventually to have a couple.

"Inside there's a fridge, television and video, a full set of crystal glasses, a six-CD multi-changer and it's well-lit with a fibre-optic ceiling.

"Driving them takes a little bit of getting used to. The first roundabout was a bit daunting and you have to avoid some left-hand corners.

"You have to think carefully about which roads you are driving down. You get people staring at it all the time. Where I live, everybody waves or sticks out their thumb to get a lift.

"I'm always asked if I've had anyone famous in the back.

"I've not had anyone yet but, then again, I think everyone who gets in is a star."

To contact Chris, call 01273 261953.