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A 40-year-old virgin who has never had a girlfriend is searching for the perfect female companion to ensure his birthday celebrations go with a bang.

George Handley suffers from Aspergers Syndrome and struggles in social situations.

But he has planned the ideal romantic getaway to mark his next milestone – but first he needs to find a woman willing to join him.

Theatre fan George, from Nottingham, has even bought a spare ticket to Fame the Musical in Bournemouth, where he will mark his 41st birthday on August 30.

He has now launched a search for his ideal woman in the hope of finding a date for his big day.

He said: “I would like someone for a long-term, permanent relationship, who I’ll be able to get on with and is a bit younger than me.

'Looks aren't too important'

“I’m in my early 40s and it’s hard to find someone my age who would be able to have children. My father was 20 years older than my mother so the age gap shouldn't be a problem.

“I’d like them to be understanding, nice and quite attractive. But they could be average-looking. Looks aren’t too important.

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"Every year I always go to the theatre to watch a musical and this year I've bought an extra ticket because I'd really love for someone to sit next to me and share in the experience."

George struggles with social interaction and has had bad experiences in the past.

He said: “Due to my Aspergers I have a social phobia of meeting people. It’s hard going to places like pubs and I’m not really a drinker. I have a glass of sherry at Christmas.

'It's hard to go to places like pubs'

“I had problems in my last year of school that put me off socialising with people of my own age.

"I was bullied and one day someone attacked me coming back from school. It put me off friends and relationships. It's hard to talk about and still painful 20 years on."

Despite his past social struggles, George says he would be a good catch for any woman, SomersetLive reports.

He said: “I have a sense of humour and I can make people laugh. I’d offer a stable relationship and I wouldn’t let my partner down.

"I would be a lot happier and more confident if I had a girlfriend. Sometimes I’d like to go on holiday but it is difficult going places on your own. I have been depressed. I feel lonely and awkward doing things like the theatre on my own.

“I’d go a lot more if I had someone to go with. I’d like to travel to different parts of the country like Cornwall and Yorkshire.

“But it’s daunting when you turn up somewhere you don’t know on your own. My father died in 1997 from a heart attack and my mother in 1999 from lung cancer.

“I have two older sisters who live in Nottingham and are still in touch but they have their own lives. I’m saying I’m a virgin because it is true, not because I just want sex. But it would be a plus.

“I would be surprised if I get any interest. I would rather a choice than nothing at all. Depending on how many there are I’d have a look individually at each one.”

Genuine prospective dates can contact George on Facebook.