An East Grinstead-based web site has been launched to help people rekindle holiday friendships and romances and meet future holiday chums.

And they can do all this even before boarding the plane.

The web site, holiday-reunion.com, is the UK's first site dedicated to getting holiday makers back in touch.

It is aimed at the 18 to 35 age group, regardless of whether they were clubbing around Europe, on the piste in Aspen or taking a walk on the wild side Down Under.

The site follows the success of the Friends Reunited site, which brought together old school friends and spawned a whole range of web sites aimed at getting people together again, from former comrades and colleagues to even ex-convicts.

Co-founder Dave Evans said: "Who hasn't at some point wanted to relight the fire of a holiday romance or catch up with friends they met? Now you can. With just a few mouse clicks you could be reliving the good times."

It is necessary to register to use of the service. First timers can include a few facts about themselves and attach or send in a photograph, which forms part of their personal record retrievable by other members, although contact details are kept confidential.

Mr Evans said: "You can search by name or, if the memory is a little clouded, by face recognition. You can contact the person you were too shy to approach in the flesh, even if you never got their name."

Standard registration is free but users can pay to upgrade their membership to receive access to other features, including the facility to email other members and access to chat rooms.

The upgrade also includes a feature which allows members to check out who they could meet before they go on holiday.

Josie Cherry, the site's other co-founder, said: "You can do the groundwork before you board the plane. Just enter in your holiday destination and date of travel and check out who you'll be sharing your next holiday with.You can email them or even go for a bit of virtual loving in the chat rooms and get to know them before you arrive."

The site also features holiday offers and resort reviews, giving members a chance to share their views on the best and worst holiday locations.

With the peak holiday season just weeks away, Mr Evans expects a flood of new members.

He said: "You've got nothing to lose by registering and plenty to gain. You may be pleasantly surprised when you next check your emails."

www.holiday-reunion.com