'Ten men' for every woman in town

Vince Peart has lived in Alston all his life

Single men in rural Cumbria have taken drastic steps to attract women to their male-dominated community.

Men, who outnumber single women 10 to one in Alston, have now covered 1,000 sq miles trying to tempt girls from towns and cities across the north.

Fellas are fed-up because they say eligible women move out of the town to find work in other areas such as Carlisle, Northumberland and Tyneside.

Now a website and posters are being used to plug the gender gap.

Vince Peart, 21, who set up the Alston Moore Regeneration Society, said: "It's pretty desperate here at the moment.

"I am 21 years of age and should be enjoying the most virile part of my life.

"But last Friday night there were 17 blokes in my local pub and only one girl - and she was with the strongest guy in town, so we couldn't even look at her.

The average male in Alston is single, athletic, intelligent, well-groomed, with an extremely good sense of humour Vince Pearte

"We have a lot to offer women here. The men are mostly labourers and are tall, strong and healthy.

"Then there's the beautiful countryside that we enjoy all the time.

"If women are tired of town and city life, this is the place to be."

Mr Peart accepts that the last census showed about a 50/50 split of men to women. But he added: "These don't seem to be single women of comparable age to the available men in Alston."

So far Mr Peart says he and his friends have covered an area of about 1,000 sq miles, placing posters in Carlisle, Penrith and Northumberland. But the Lancaster University student is preparing to target Newcastle, Wearside and Teesside.

The posters say: "Alston, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the North Pennines, is currently suffering from a population crisis.

"The average male in Alston is single, athletic, intelligent, well-groomed, an extremely good sense of humour, owns his own vehicle, and in many cases owns his own land and property as well.

"Compare this to the average male from your area and you will see why you were lucky to spot this notice."