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FORGET LEAP YEAR - WALK THE WIGHT INSTEAD

Tradition suggests that a leap year is the time when ladies turn the tables on their beaus and 2008 is just such a year. But who needs to rely on Leap Year when the Isle of Wight speed-dating walk has already resulted in two weddings with a third couple due to marry in the summer of 2009?

The first to tie the knot after meeting at the first-ever speed-dating walk in 2006 were Phillipa and Eric, closely followed by fellow-Islanders, Karen and Paul, who married this January. The latest couple to be bowled over by the Island as well as each other are Lorraine and Colin who after also meeting at the 2006 event, now live together in Surrey and plan to marry in 2009. Lorraine wrote thanking festival organisers, the Isle of Wight Council, saying the speed-dating walk has 'changed my life' since 'meeting the man of my dreams'.

Since it began in 1999, the two-week Isle of Wight Walking Festival has become the biggest events of its kind in the UK attracting around 15,500 people of all ages from the UK and abroad. Walks are graded, easy, moderate and strenuous with distances ranging from one-mile to a non-stop, 24-hour walk around the Island's spectacular coastal path (approximately 72 miles).

The 2008 Isle of Wight speed-dating walk takes place on Sunday 4th May (walk no. 21 in the walking festival programme) and registration forms are available from the website: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk. Age groups will be mixed and there is also the opportunity to socialise at the beginning and at the end of the walk.

The circular, 4-mile/3-hour walk starts and finishes at the Fisherman's Cottage, a pub located in the picturesque setting of Luccombe Bay. Walkers simply give their partners a yes or no tick on a 'matching card' and swap partners at five-minute intervals. Once back at the pub, participants are advised of any matches made and are then free to exchange contact details with their perfect match before walking off into the sunset together! The walk which commences at 2pm, costs just £5 (excludes refreshments) and booking is essential - full details are available on the website: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.

Book your festival accommodation by telephoning Isle of Wight Council Tourism Services on 01983 813813 or on-line at www.islandbreaks.co.uk

Most walks during the Isle of Wight Walking Festival are completely free but some walk leaders will request a donation for their chosen charity. In some cases, booking in advance is required - the festival programme/website provides this information (www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk).