The majority of people looking for that someone special are turning to the internet to find them, new research has found.

A survey by forcespenpals.co.uk revealed that 80 per cent of single guys and girls use the web to find the one, with a good sense of humour the number one attribute they are looking for.

The study found that just 11 per cent use speed dating to find love, while 29 per cent admitted to going on blind dates and a further two per cent claimed they have tried swinging in their quest for love.

Nearly two thirds of respondents said that a person's personality was the most important thing when developing a relationship, while just over a fifth said a shared sense of humour was crucial.

Bruno Mustone, managing director of the website, said the web has opened up a new world for many people.

"The internet enables daters to meet people around the world, rather than just from their local area, increasing their chances of meeting Mr or Miss Right," he added.

Part of the popularity of dating websites is the fact that the stigma attached to finding love online has all but disappeared, according to Mo Kurimbokus, a counsellor at Relate.

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