FAQ'S on our UK online dating service for all the mature daters out there.

Of course they do. What do you think all your friends are up to every evening? Sitting with their feet up drinking cocoa? Fat chance! They're all in cyberspace looking for new friends too. Age is no barrier.

In fact, when you are a grown up it is much more civilized to sit in front of your computer checking out the talent and making contact with other likely online daters before you ever have to meet. At least you will know a little bit about each other and although success is not guaranteed, you have a better chance if you have 'vetted' your date online first.

Have a go at our internet dating service - what have you got to lose? Over 40 and new to online dating, over 50 and new to online dating, over 60 and new to online dating and for senior citizens who have never tried it before - get to it.

No excuses for the creakys to stay home alone any more!

Very. Who's profile would you look at if you were searching for a new friend or lover? One with a photo or one without? Makes sense. It doesn't have to be a glamour shot - just one that shows you in a good light without being unrecognisable.

It's human nature to want to see what the other person looks like from the beginning. I know looks aren't everything but you might find a kindly face peering out at you and decide to take a chance so go on, upload a snap - it's not difficult.

Whether old or young, your picture sells you.

Be guided by the prompts for the basic information. Then, think about your good points. Don't just say you like a night at the pub or would rather stay in with a pizza and a DVD. Don't be needy or negative. If you've just been chucked, save the information for later. In a profile it's a big turn off. There must be some interesting aspects of your life you can promote that would tempt other people.

If you love your job/family/garden/holidays/food/paragliding etc, elaborate. What do you do with your time when you are not working or getting the groceries? Maybe you would like to ride pillion on a motor bike or holiday in the Himalayas, have a go at the Tango or get an allotment. Are you a dreamer or stuck in a rut?

Let your mind roam free and you might rediscover bits of yourself you'd forgotten about. I'm not suggesting you should be dishonest when filling in your profile, but try and free up your thinking and see what happens.

I don't know and neither do you, probably, but once you have thought about what kind of person you are, it might be easier to describe the traits you would like to find in another. The fun of dating online is that you are free to explore in the comfort of you own home before venturing out of your depth.

If you are sensible, yes, of course it is. Don't give out your address, phone number or everyday email address. It's easy to set up a separate email address just for dating. Yahoo & Hotmail are amongst the free ones.

Initially, you don't have to use your own name if that would make you more comfortable. Start slowly as you would with any new friendships. Just because you are using an internet dating service it doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind. Meet on neutral territory, and somewhere safe for you ladies to get home from. Tell a friend where you are going. Even ask them to phone you after an hour or so, so you have an excuse to leave if you've had enough.

Try not to get too smashed on your first date and never divulge any information about your finances or other sensitive information. Have fun, don't take it too seriously and don't expect the earth.

If at first you don't succeed...You can meet as many people as you like during your membership and be proacative. Don't just expect people to contact you - take action yourself.

Are you serious? Everyone is at it, old and young, rich or poor, fit or not. It is fun for everyone and in some circles, is now the norm. Many mature adults are now online and think nothing of exploring new friendships via the internet.

Whether you are after a passionate affair, a fling or just companionship, there can be no better place to start than on Footloose Dating, so get searching free now.