ONE of Oxford's newest restaurants is this evening hosting a Valentine's Day date night with a difference.

The Breakfast Club at The Westgate has teamed up with learning disability charity Mencap to host a First Dates evening for adults with learning disabilities.

The event, inspired by the Channel 4 show of the same name, aims to help overcome some of the barriers people with a learning disability face when trying to make friendships and relationships, some of whom won’t have been on a Valentine's date before.

Among those who have booked a place is Adam Walsh, pictured here with Breakfast Club supervisor Georgie Parish.

Mencap spokeswoman Rachael Blakey said: "Many people with a learning disability say that relationships are important to them - yet only three per cent of people with a learning disability live as a couple, compared to 70 per cent of the general adult population.

Oxford Mail:

"Mencap research revealed almost one in three young people with a learning disability spends less than one hour a day outside their homes, and so events like this can be key in ensuring people with a learning disability are included in events that we generally take for granted."

The Breakfast Club is tonight hosting six tables for twelve learning disabled people and is providing a two-course meal free of charge.

Mencap’s Oxford team will then take on the role of match makers, in a format based around Channel 4’s First Dates.

Ms Blakey said: "The hope is that as well as enjoying good food and stimulating company, romance will also begin to blossom!

"Everyone deserves to have the chance to find love and happiness."

Those 12 places are already booked up, but anyone - disabled or not - who wants to try getting a table at the restaurant tonight is more than welcome. Call 01865 526210.

For more information about what Mencap does in Oxfordshire email rachael.blakey@mencap.org.uk