A story in this week’s North Devon Journal jammed the newsroom phones when a reader launched an appeal to find a date for her daughter.

The article appeared after beautiful Sabina’s mum couldn’t understand why she wasn’t being paired off with the man of her dreams.

She e-mailed the paper, where the editorial team thought it would make a great page three feature.

Deputy editor Richard Best said: “This has gone ballistic, really like no other story I’ve worked on since the late 80s.

“We’ve been unable to hold a conversation here this morning because of the phones ringing from newspapers, magazines, TV and radio.

“We’re waiting for the applications to come in.

“Carlton Westcountry TV has done an interview of me in the office about the story, and then went out in town with Sabina.”

The potential love-bird attracted a lot of national exposure the day after publication and more was expected this weekend, as well as in magazines and other publications.

The story was followed up in both The Sun and The Times, and eligible bachelors are sure to get in touch – although only single men will be considered.

Sabina and her mum (also single)

Richard added: “I am hopeful we’ll get a good response to the story, although it will have to be somebody who isn’t shy as the shortlisted ‘candidates’ are going to be featured too…”

The Journal will shortlist likely candidates, and then pass the details on to Linda, who will choose the lucky one.

Barnstaple-based Sabina, (24), has a six-year-old son and is studying full-time to become a holistic therapist.

She said: “I’ve met nice guys before but it’s not easy to keep me entertained.”

Sabina wants someone with a good personality who will make her laugh. Good looks are not the main requirement – but Brad Pitt lookalikes will not be rejected out of hand.

Potential dates must be single men, aged between 24 and 30, and local. Applicants are being asked to write about 500 words and include a description of themselves, what they consider their best points to be, their reason for wanting to go on a date with Sabina – and a recent photograph.

And of course, they must be prepared to be featured in the Journal.