A Leicester Mercury sub-editor is playing cupid with the launch of his new website.

Jonathan Paul has spent 12 months developing Wasthatyou.net, which gives a second chance to people who may have exchanged flirtatious glances with someone across a crowded room but were too shy to approach the object of their affections.

The website, which is free to use, asks users to select the region they were in and leave a message describing the encounter.

If the person the message is meant for then reads it online, they can register and reply.

Jonathan said: "It has happened to all of us at one stage or another.

"We have all locked eyes with someone, perhaps walking along the street or even while sat in car in a traffic jam but for some reason - perhaps you are too shy or the circumstances make it impossible - you don't strike up a conversation.

"Now all you have to do is use the 'Was That You?' website to see if you can take things a step further."

The site has been live for three months and has already attracted almost 300 registered users.

Jonathan said: "The traffic has been quite phenomenal as I've not done a lot of marketing for the site.

"I've funded it out of my own pocket. It's a non-commercial site that has been done on a shoestring. In the long-term, hopefully it could be turned into a commercial enterprise but if not, it's just a bit of fun.

"I'm still waiting for the first couple to get together through the site so that will be a big milestone."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk