You wouldn't buy a car without lifting the bonnet or checking out the bodywork.

So what if you were given the chance to have a close-up, detailed inspection of your next lover?

A new kind of speed dating offers just that. The only catch is, everyone is expected to bare more than their souls.

They will all strip before getting three minutes to chat up a member of the opposite sex.

The evening, to be held in a Brighton bar on June 19, will have a Garden Of Eden theme - with fig leaves available for the more bashful Adams and Eves.

Organiser Matt Whistler is charging £50 a ticket and hopes to attract up to 400 people to the bohemian evening.

The Brighton-based entrepreneur believes the event is the first of its kind and plans to throw himself into the spirit of things by going naked himself.

The 32-year-old said: "It is taking speed dating one step further.

"The activity can be quite clinical and intimidating but being in an environment where people don't have their clothes on can break down barriers.

"Brighton's a very, very alternative place where people like to try new things.

"Let's face it, it's an eccentric city which is perfect for this kind of event."

Mr Whistler got the idea to play Cupid after being a guest at a nude party near Brighton several years ago.

He said: "It wasn't seedy or sordid, just people having fun and getting on with one another."

Mr Whistler hopes the naked speed date event will get temperatures soaring but is keeping the night's location a secret to deter potential peeping Toms and undesirables.

He hopes the ticket price will also help make it an exclusive affair and only encourage genuine lonely hearts.

Daters will have free drinks and canaps served among the trees, plants and water fountains in the Garden Of Eden setting.

Entertainment will come from Brighton band The Black Sufis, who will also strip to perform throat chanting with an Arabic flavour.

Organisers are hoping to attract up to 400 people, both men and women.

Mr Whistler, an actor and events organiser, said: "We're not setting out to humiliate anyone. It will be a very informal, fun night."

"I would encourage people to open their minds and come and try it. Life is not a dress rehearsal."

For more information, call Mr Whistler on 07792 821156.