Friends Reunited Dating Press Office

In response to a recent boom in internet usage by the over 50s, Friends Reunited has launched a new website specifically targeted at the older demographic.

'Friends Over Fifty' was first developed as a sister site to Friends Reunited Dating in November 2007. With over 150,000 registered members, already a success in its own right, the site was officially launched in April 2008.

Friends Over Fifty offers members a safe, informal and relaxed way to meet like minded people for both friendship and romance. With 2.7million over 50s registered on the Friends Reunited family of sites this represents a great opportunity for new friendships and connections to grow.

Retaining all the best loved features of Friends Reunited Dating such as winks, 'match of the day' and simple search facilities, as well as a sophisticated design, the site feels familiar, welcoming and safe. Members can search for dates in their local area, or strike up friendships with members from across the UK.

Prospective members are invited to register and search for free with a fee only being charged if they find someone they would like to contact.

Rhoda Breakell, Head of Friends Reunited Dating, said: "The number of over 50s online has increased dramatically in the past 12 months but despite this, many dating sites are still targeting their offerings at a youth market. Over 50s are a valuable market to us, with time to spend online."

Nielsen Online reported that during the 12 months between October 2006 and October 2007, internet usage by those aged over 55 increased by 22%.

For more information contact Victoria Reed or Carolynne Bull-Edwards on: 01883 717468 or email press@friendsreunited.co.uk

Case Study - Stephen and Anita Gledhill (56 and 58 years old)

A week before Christmas 2004, Stephen was unexpectedly widowed. Struggling to get over his grief, he decided to log onto Friends Reunited to look up some old friends when the dating site caught his eye. Trusting the Friends Reunited brand, he created a profile and was impressed by the number of ladies in his area. Within a week of posting his profile, he was out dating. Stephen and Anita's first date was amazing and both were sad to leave. On the second date Anita planted a great big kiss on Stephens' lips causing his heart to flutter and within two months, they were lovers. Stephen proposed to Anita in August 2006 in a private chapel in York Minster to which she said she "would be delighted."

Stephen and Anita were married on the 27th July 2007 and have never been happier.

Notes to Editors - About Friends Reunited Dating

Friends Reunited Dating was launched in 2003 as a sister-site to the Internet phenomenon Friends Reunited. Since then it has grown to become the UK's third largest dating website. Members can search for potential dates according to appearance, age and location with the same high standards of confidentiality, security and reputation for reliability that members have come to know through Friends Reunited. It is free to register on the site, and full functionality comes at a fraction of the price of most other dating sites. It currently has over 821,000 dating members, aged 18 to 80. Around 1,000 new members join the service every day.