Lonely hearts should head to Bridgnorth

But there was a mixed reaction to the claim by match.com that Bridgnorth was a haven for those searching for romance.

Deborah Meredith, 41, a shop owner, who lives in Aston Eyre, said: "It would surprise me if there were a lot of single people actually living in Bridgnorth.

"A lot of people who were raised in Bridgnorth tend to come back here, whether they've been off to university and come back home."

Sarah Pederson, 43, a shop manager from Grey Friars, Bridgnorth, said: "It's a small town and everyone knows everyone, so I suppose if you were new to the area it could be hard to find someone.

"But I do know quite a few people who have met their partners on dating websites and then settled down.

"When I was younger a lot of people came from all over the place to the Bandon Arms pub. It was a big event for such a small town."

Michael Wojtowsky, 69, a shop owner from Chetton, helps to run evenings at The Falcon pub in Bridgnorth.

He said events all over the town attracted single men and women, especially during the weekends.

"There's lots of good entertainment in Bridgnorth and we see a lot of single ladies in The Falcon," he said.

"The Kings Head is also really popular during the summer."

Stacy Hertill, 31, a restaurant worker from Eardington, said: "I think it's a nice place, especially for single people with children.

"It's nice place to bring your children up, so I can see why people would move here.

"I would be surprised if there were a lot of single people living here but because I work in a pub and restaurant I can see how popular and busy the place can get.

"We see a lot of visitors and single people but the weekend crowd is mainly younger people."

Retired Michael Wright, 49, from Claverley, said he was single and would regularly come into Bridgnorth.

"It's a nice place to come and being disabled I feel very safe here," he said.

"In larger towns and cities you can get pushed around but here there are good disabled facilities."