Cupid is sure to draw back his bow over Berkshire this month as a reporter is up for grabs in a Valentine auction.

Nick Meakin, (24), from the Maidenhead Advertiser, is being auctioned off to one lucky lady as the paper raises money for a new children’s hospice in the town.

The Advertiser is currently taking bids for the not-so-secret rendezvous with the winner receiving not only an evening of sparkling wit and conversation, but also a £30 bunch of flowers.

The tryst will see the star-crossed lovers enjoy a five-course meal and a Dean Martin tribute band.

Nick – an easy man to please – requests only that all entrants are female, over 18 and “smokingly hot”.

He said: “It was initially Glenn Mitchell (deputy editor) that came up with the concept.

“I think he was certain he was not going to get any votes so he put me forward which was very kind of him.

“It’s for a very good charity and I hope I get at least one bid, that would suffice.

“I have just been into town and had to put my hood up because my picture is everywhere – thank you Mr Mitchell.”

Deputy editor Glenn Mitchell said: “Nick agreed to take part when assured we wouldn’t make a fuss about the whole feature.

“I think the video footage on our website, page lead, front page banner and posters dotted throughout the town adorned with his picture prove I am a man of my word.”

Potential suitors can watch Nick’s dating video at the Advertiser’s website.