A BACKPACKER from Witney is setting hearts on fire after posting an advert with friends for a new flatmate in Sydney.

Eddie Stevens, fellow Brit Jack Prescott and Swede Erik Persson posted on Facebook in search of a flatmate to help them with paying rent.

But 24 hours after the post, the men have been inundated with hundreds messages - many romantic messages from women.

Now they are interviewing them to find the perfect applicant.

Eddie said: "It's been absolutely crazy, social media has taken off.

"We just searched for house mates and all of a sudden my phone went crazy with over 300 message requests asking to meet for drinks etc. 

"One girl said, I don't have need a room, but please take my number. 

"Another said, I have a room available, it's 250 a week but you have to clean with your top off.

"All it was was an innocent ad pleading for housemates and all of a sudden my phone broke down with message from girls all over the world. It's been overwhelming."

Eddie's mum, Tracy, who lives in Witney, said her son went to Australia after graduating.

She added: "It's quite funny isn't it. He was just looking for help with his flatmates to pay the bills and put out and advert.

"He spoke to us the next day to say he was going to be on the telly and that it had all gone a bit mad."