A former regional journalist failed to find long-term love after appearing on a television dating programme.

Mark McKay, who worked for a series of local titles including the Oxford Mail, Burton Mail and Colchester Daily Gazette, appeared on Channel 4 show First Dates last month.

The programme films couples on blind dates in a London restaurant.

Mark now serves in the police through Police Now, a training programme which gives graduates the chance to become officers.

Mark appearing on First Dates

On the programme, he was paired with an archaeologist called Sophie.

They were able to discuss their mutual love of history, as Mark also volunteers at the Imperial War Museum and wrote a number of stories about military history during his regional press career.

Speaking to the Burton Mail after the show aired, Mark said although the date went well, they are no longer seeing each other.