TWO young business- women from Bristol are joining forces to launch a racy new networking and social night in their home city.

The event will be called Swanky Panky and is based around the increasingly popular theme of burlesque, revived by striptease artists such as Dita Von Teese.

The saucy get-togethers are the brainchild of young entrepreneurs Kerry Hale and Amy Whitaker and the hope is they will become a regular feature of the Bristol social scene.

The burlesque nights are aimed at men and women of all ages and are targeted at couples as well as singles.

Kerry Hale decided to move into the dating business after she struggled to find her own soul mate.

The 29-year-old from Brislington set up the events company Fuse which stands for Fun, Unique Singles Events. As well as networking events she also helps to run wine festivals.

She said: "The main thing is 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 every- thing from wine tastings to chocolate making. So there will always be something to do – which always makes things more fun and less awkward."

She has joined forces with like-minded soul Amy Whitaker, who runs the Bristol-based Pomegranate Boutique, a firm which sells adult products aimed at women.

Miss Whitaker ran a graphic design company in London but has since moved to Bristol to set up her latest venture. She is hoping to open a shop in the city.

Kerry was introduced to Amy when she discovered Pomegranates 'Saucy Soirees', evenings which run alongside the boutique's online store.

During the Swanky Panky evening, there will be entertainment from dancers of the Showgirl Academy Burlesque as well as a talk by Amy.

Miss Whitaker said: "I've been organising Saucy Soirees since June this year and they've received a great response so far. The aim is for people to have fun."

The entrepreneurial duo will be holding their first event on Thursday, August 26, at the Square Club in Clifton and if all goes well similar get-togethers will take place in the near future.

Kerry Hale said: "The Square Club is ideal for our launch; with a boudoir style interior we think it will suit the mood and feel of Swanky Panky just right.

"This is not a typical Fuse event as it is not exclusive to single people, instead we are encouraging all to come along and experience something different, have fun and be entertained."