AN EX-FOSTER carer is hoping her novel idea to spread the romance will capture the imagine of entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

Karen Asquith has submitted a pitch to the 'Pitch to Rich' competition launched by the entrepreneur and hopes her idea will secure the interest of the billionaire businessman.

Her entry, called 'Carpe Diem' is a novel way to help single people looking for romance help to find their perfect other.

The competition will culminate in a live final on June 26 with the best 10 ventures to receive a cash boost from the billionaire entrepreneur, receiving a share of £1million.

Currently, shortlisted entries are being whittled down by public votes to the last 30 to go into the semi-final stage.

"My idea is for single people," explains Karen, from Newton-le-Willows.

"It is to wear a badge so that people will know that you're single. You have a little card that has a unique code on and people who see you if they want to contact you they can do through a database.

"For example, I saw a man in a garage and we smiled at each other and he drove away. For all I know he could have been Mr Right.

"I don't know if they're married or not and it's difficult to bring the conversation round to that.

"It's basically a way of cutting through all of that.

"I believe in this so much and of all the famous people, Branson would be the one I'd like to take this to so I couldn't believe it was him doing this," added Karen, 55.

To view Karen's pitch and vote, visit: http://www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/new-things/carpe-diem/