In this era of work-till-you-drop jobs and failed marriages, more and more singletons over the age of 40 are finding themselves on the prowl for a partner. So, what's out there for them? Mark Sylvester investigated

Meet at Last

If the last time you saw your flirting skills they were wearing shoulder pads, Meet at Last is made for you. It's a dating agency that runs events such as dinners, drinks and dances, not to mention its famous 'flirting tours'. Director Clare Gilbanks sets no age limits, but does tailor-make days especially for those who just about remember Blue Peter in black and white.

Clare said: 'A lot of people over 40 have been through a few relationships and they know what they don't want. They are more discerning and less inclined to settle. There are those who still want children and they need to find someone who wants the same. Then you have those who haven't had time to date and aren't great at flirting.'

For the latter, the flirting tours take a stroll around London in the company of flirting expert Jean Smith, with tips on how to catch the eye of potential mates at lesser-known flirting hot spots such as art galleries, book stores and supermarkets.

One who's taken the plunge, Gary, said: 'At one point I looked around and thought, as an outsider, you'd never know this was a pre-arranged dating venue. It just looked like a regular night out. I was impressed.'
www.meetatlast.com

The Supper Club

The brainchild of Tamsin Lonsdale, The Supper Club has around 1,000 members and about the same number stalking their postmen to see whether they're 'in'. It's all about exclusive parties, amazing food, wine and the sort of venues you can only find if you have the networking skills of a CIA agent.

The Club's Laura Holmes explained: 'Our success rate is very high but we ensure that even if members don't meet someone romantically they still have an amazing time.'

One member, Jenny, 40, a marketing director, said: 'I'd been married and it didn't work out. By then I had loads of married friends and a circle of single friends I knew really well. I wasn't meeting new people. At the Supper Club I met loads of interesting people who just had something about them. I'm now in a relationship and it's going really well.'
www.thesupperclublondon.com

Love Horse

It might sound like something you wouldn't admit to being part of but, in fact, Love Horse aims to bring together lonesomes with a longing for all things rural - long walks, fishing, farming and, well, horses.

Its founder, Ben Lovegrove, said: 'Partly, I want to help people in the country who have suffered with the breakdown of rural communities and the social networks that went with them. But it is also aimed at people who want to escape the urban jungle. People in their 20s are looking for a quick answer, but those in their 40s and 50s are more patient and are happy with this slower process.'

Hilary is 53 and runs her own advertising company. She said: 'I work from home, I have a daughter and because of that and because I ride competitively I don't get a chance to go to bars and clubs. Love Horse doesn't seem like a meat market and it gives you something to talk about immediately. I've had some great dates and I feel much happier now.'
www.lovehorse.co.uk

Swerve

Nothing breaks down inhibitions better than a drink, which is why there is none of the sinfully wasteful spitting out when you attend a Swerve wine-tasting event.

Bristol-based Swerve attracts single, busy professionals between 20 and 50 and, alongside the ever-popular wine-tasting/drinking nights, it offers Tapas and Salsa parties, Feast 'n Flirt dinners and an annual 'Eligible Ball'.

Jane Bickerton, who runs Swerve, said: 'Dating for the over-40s is definitely under-served, which is silly because there are a lot of women out there who just want to be in a position where they can meet someone. We have cards so that if someone has seen a potential date, but is too shy to approach them, they can write flirty messages and their contact details and I'll pass them on.'

Judy, 41, who works in human resources, said: 'I was separated in 2001 and had been on my own for three years when I decided to launch myself back out there. When I joined Swerve it was a real relief because I realised I wasn't the only one like me out there. I met John at a Swerve ball and was bowled over. I haven't looked back.'
www.swerve.me.uk

Events Together

Some people liken relationships to jumping off a 100ft cliff, not knowing what's in store. Well, at Events Together it's exactly like that. The brainchild of Alun Goodman, Events Together organises adventure weekends for singles including abseiling, climbing, caving, mountain-biking, white-water rafting and sailing.

Alun said: 'Many people that come on my events have high-pressure jobs and don't get the chance to meet people. If they have an interest in adventure sports they can come along to a fun, social environment without the pressure of it being a date as such. We always try to get equal numbers of each sex on any trip.'

Karen, a company director who has been on a number of Events Together trips, said: 'I tried dating agencies, but they were a bit 'in your face'. I'd been single for a while and not found anyone to share any of my interests with. This is more a chance to go out and socialise with like-minded people and see what happens.'
www.eventstogether.co.uk