A 60-year-old autistic man who has never been kissed has launched an online appeal to get his first date.

The family of Steam-engine enthusiast Owen Billany, of Trimdon, say he would make a perfect boyfriend as he is kind, caring, has a great sense of humour and is good round the house.

But he has spent his life struggling to find a girlfriend amid worries his condition might prevent him from making a good impression.

Since the death of his parents the long-term singleton has decided he would like to go on his first date and is being helped by his niece Nina O’Brien.

The 33-year-old, who he lives with, has created a page on Facebook - Uncle Owen Wants to go Dating - appealing for women who might like to meet him.

Owen, a keen artist, said: “I would love to meet a woman that isn’t frightened to eat - someone who isn’t obsessed with being thin.

“Someone who will be respectful of my way of life and someone who can take a joke in the right way - not too finicky. I’d like someone who wouldn’t get bored with me. I have never had a serious relationship with anyone before. With me being autistic I feel I have had to find my way around it. I got knocked back and found it difficult in the past, but that has made me want to do this more.”

He said although he is looking to date a woman either in her 50s or 60s he has a crush on Countdown’s Rachel Riley.

Owen moved in with his niece following the death of his mother, Jean, three years ago.

Since his bereavement, the former cleaner felt that it was time to take the plunge and start looking for a female companion.

Ms O’Brien wanted to buy her uncle membership of a dating website for his 60th birthday - but then decided against it when she realised that it costs more than double the price to join an agency that caters for people with special needs.

So instead, the 33-year-old put a post on Facebook letting her friends know her uncle is looking for love. She has also created a Facebook page, which includes pictures and information about him.

Ms O’Brien, a health and social care lecturer, said: “Owen has a lot of love to give a woman. He is great around the house, kind, has a fantastic sense of humour and he puts people at ease.

“Just because he has a disability does not mean that he should have less of a shot at happiness than anyone else.

“He’s never been on a date before. He’s never held hands or kissed that special someone. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he said he wanted to go on a date. It’s something that he has been talking about on and off for years - and I just want to see him happy."

Any women who may be interested can visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uncleowenwantstogodating/?hc_ref=ARRt0sWEnbAkJGdkFXhJag