A lack of interest has caused a novelty dating event, where bachelors were invited to meet their potential soulmates from behind a paper bag, to be cancelled.

Single guys and girls were being urged to personalise a paper bag before hiding behind it at a speed-dating-style event at Maidstone Museum's cafe on Thursday, April 26.

The unique event was being introduced as a way to encourage men and woman to focus on a person's attributes other than their physical appearance.

There was also a £15 dining voucher on offer for those who would have been successful in their quest for a long-term partner and wanted to date for a second time, without the extra baggage.

However, a spokesperson for the event has now confirmed it has been cancelled due to "low numbers".