Scunthorpe venue prepares to host Send date-night event

Jack Brodrick, 20, who has autism, said he was hoping to find love

A venue in Scunthorpe is hosting a speed-dating night for people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

Cafe Indie, a co-operative , hosts local bands and champions employability for disadvantaged young people.

The venue said the event, taking place on 7 June, was a way of bringing people together.

Jack Brodrick, who has autism, welcomed the idea, adding that it was sometimes difficult for him to meet new people.

The 20-year-old, who likes walking and gaming and has recently started learning ventriloquism, said he was hoping to find someone special.

"Most of my friends are in a relationship and it kind of makes me feel a bit left out," he said.

He said his ideal partner would be "patient enough to cope with me" as people with disabilities can "sometimes mess up" - "someone who can like me for me," he added.

Friday I'm in Love

Marc Device, who has organised the event, said it was going to follow a similar format to any other speed-dating night.

"However, it's going to be more sympathetic to people who might struggle with communication, or might require a little bit more processing time than others," he said.

"We are going to incorporate lots of games and activities which people can use to help lubricate the conversation and just feel a little bit more at ease with their prospective date," he added.

Organiser Marc Device said the event would incorporate games to help put people at ease with their prospective dates

Others who are planning to attend the event told BBC Look North they were looking for romance and friendship, with one person saying they hoped to meet the "love of my life".

The speed-dating event takes place next Friday between 18:00 and 20:00 BST.

Cafe Indie also hosts a monthly peer support group for people with autism.