Over the past couple of years, as a single woman in Bristol, Kerry Hale has tried everything to find true love – from speed dating to blind dates, but has so far failed to find romance.

This particular 27-year-old attractive blonde, with "GSOH" (that's a "good sense of humour" for those who have never used a dating website), would like to meet someone with whom there's that initial "spark".

But no matter how many dates she goes on, this real-life Bridget Jones never seems to find Mr Right. It can be hard being "single in the city".

While many people in her predicament would curl up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate feeling a bit glum, Kerry has decided to tackle the problem head on – setting up her own dating agency with her singleton friend, Rebecca Murch, 25, a cafe owner from Winterbourne.

"I've tried absolutely everything in the last couple of years," says Kerry, of Brislington, who has given up her job in the accounts department of an electricity company to take on the venture.

"You name it, and I've given it a go. These days there is a big emphasis on online dating, but the problem I've always found, is that often people's online profiles bear very little resemblance to what they're actually like in real life.

"I got talking to Rebecca about this a while back, and we came up with an idea for a new type of online dating, but one where you actually get to meet the people first."

They have called their creation FUSE – which stands for "Fun, Unique Singles Events".

"The idea is that every few weeks we will arrange a special singles event in Bristol. People can come along to the event and get chatting to any of the other single people there.

"During the event they will be given details of their 'log on' to the website forum, so after the event they will be able to chat online to the people they've met.

"If that initial spark was there when they met, they'll know that it's a good idea to get to know each other further online, and then it's up to them to arrange further dates.

"But at least you've got over the problem of never quite knowing what people will be like in real life, which is always the issue with meeting people online.

"The main aim of FUSE will simply be to create a relaxed environment, where people can simply meet each other, and talk for as long as they want, without the usual gongs, bells or buzzers that get in the way at speed dating events.

"We're planning everything from wine tastings to chocolate making," Kerry explains. "So there will always be something to do – which always makes things more fun and less awkward."

The first FUSE event takes place next Wednesday from 8pm at The Square club, in Berkley Square, where guests will be able to enjoy a champagne reception, canapes and live music from pianist Stephen Williams.

"The idea is to make it sophisticated and glamorous," Kerry explains. "We're aiming it at professional people who are used to going along to networking events. The FUSE events will be very much in the same mould, only everyone at the event will be single."

Tickets for the launch event cost £20, which includes two months' online membership to the chat forum.

It will be followed by a wine tasting event at The Quadrant in Princess Victoria Street on September 23 (tickets £25).

"The great thing is people can come to as many or as few events as they like, until they meet the right person. Even if Mr or Miss Right never comes along, at least you will have enjoyed some fun and sociable evenings around the city," Kerry says.

And if all goes well, Kerry and Rebecca might even be able to find the loves of their lives.

"We're putting everything into this project, because we think it's a really great idea – I've even given up my day job to plan these events," Kerry says. "But who knows, maybe we'll all find our Mr Rights?"

For more information, visit the website at www.fusebristol.co.uk.