A lonely singleton looking for love has been inundated with offers of a date after he advertised himself on an “Items for Sale” Facebook page in a desperate search for a girlfriend.
Alan Clayton, 30, listed himself as “free” and in a “good/used condition” after becoming frustrated with traditional dating apps which failed to land him a partner.
The lorry driver took the unusual step of posting on a local classified ads page and was left stunned when his inbox was flooded with messages from women across the UK.
So far it has only led to one date, which unfortunately didn’t work out, but lonely heart Alan is hopeful the unorthodox approach will help him find the love of his life.
The bachelor, who has not had a proper girlfriend since school, says he is now ready to get married and have children after seeing all of his friends settle down.
Alan, of Kettering, Northants., said: “I’ve tried conventional apps like Tinder and Plenty of Fish but nothing has really happened so I went to sign up to e-Harmony.
“They asked me lots of questions and I suddenly thought why don’t I just advertise myself online on a bargain adverts page.
“I could only go two ways – people taking the mickey or finding someone. So far the response has been amazing.
“I was up past midnight reading all of the messages of support from people. I’ve had women show some interest but it has not really led to anything.
“I’ve been on one date so far as a result but that didn’t work out unfortunately so I’m still very much on the market and its still relatively early days.
“The listing has been shared on pages as far away as Swindon, but that would be a little long distance for me.
“I’m still hopeful it will lead to something. People have said it takes guts to put yourself out there like that but it’s not that different to putting yourself on a dating site.”
Unlucky in love Alan lists his interests as watching Manchester United, musicals and Formula One racing as well as walking in the countryside and visiting the seaside.
He is hoping true love will blossom with a woman who is “funny, outgoing and independent with a bubbly personality”.
He added: “I’m hoping for a woman who shares some of my interests but I’m not that fussy as long as she’s fun to be around.
“My longest relationship is two years and that was back in school, so I can hardly count that.
“I’ve got to the point where I’ve seen all my friends settle down and thought it was about time I tried to do the same as I’m 30 and I’ve been single for 11 years.”
Thousands of people have now viewed and shared the advert on the Items For Sale In Corby And Surrounding Areas Facebook group since it went live on September 10.
He wrote: “Hello there ladies. I’m Alan. I’m 30 years old. I’m looking for a lovely lady to talk to, maybe more, as I got a few weddings to go to and don’t want to go alone. Lol. I tried dating sites not had any luck so thought I give this a go. Lol.”
Comments under his post included: “Well done you for having the guts to post this. Once you find someone please post again with the lady on your arm.”
Another wrote: “One of you single ladies should be snapping this lovely guy up. Not a lot of good men out there Hope you find your love soon Alan.”
Alan currently lives with his mum and dad and two of his siblings and works as a lorry driver for Kettering firm Wall and Floors.
His father Frank said: “He’s a really good lad. He’d help anyone. He’s very obliging. Anything we ask him to do he’ll do.
“We certainly want to see him happy. He can cook, does all his washing and cleaning, takes our dog Mindy for walks.
“He’s a brilliant uncle, he gets on really well with his sister Millie.”
School mate James Earl, his partner Aimee Hayes and their one-year-old son Freddie often go on days out with Alan.
Aimee said: “He’s such a lovely bloke. I’ve been friends with him for five years and he’s just a gentleman.
“He sent us a screenshot of the advert before he sent it but by the time we replied he’d already posted it. He’s got a lot of guts posting it.
“I really don’t know why he’s single. He’s absolutely amazing with Freddie. He’d make such a amazing dad. He’s one hundred per cent a nice guy.”
Pal James added: “He’s the most loyal person I’ve ever met. He’s been so unlucky in love. He would make such a good boyfriend. We want him to be happy.”
Another friend Tori Barnette said: “He did run it past us. It was so funny. He’s got a good sense of humour.
“He’s such a lovely guy. Anyone in their right mind would snap him up.”
Any potential suitors wishing to contact Alan can do so via his Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/alan.i.clayton