ISLINGTON has more single people than almost anywhere else in the UK, according to new research.

In the 2001 census, Islington was listed as having the third highest proportion of singletons in the country, with 43 per cent of the borough’s adult population - those over the age of 16 - not in a relationship.

Now researchers from online match-making service ButterflySocial.co.uk say that Islington’s single status will be re-confirmed when a new census takes place later this year.

Using data from the previous census, along with information from more recent population surveys, ButterflySocial’s creators have predicted that Islington will once again achieve a top spot as one of the UKs most single locations, with the percentage of single people remaining as high as ever.

Jenni Regan, one of the website’s creators, said: “Islington has so much going for it that it seems a natural place for lots of 20-somethings to make their first base in the capital. With top quality bars and restaurants along Upper Street, the Islington Academy and the West End only a short bus trip away for many residents, Islington has always had a reputation as a great place to live.

“It is also a pretty easy going place, without the pressure to conform or ‘couple up’. That combination of characteristics makes it quite understandable that it would be among the most single places in London.”

Alex Sharp, 22, a single student who lives on Newington Green, said: “Being single in Islington is great. It’s full of trendy bars and restaurants for young people to hang out and the mix of clubs means that you get a chance to meet a wide variety of different people. Living in Islington means that you have every opportunity to meet new people and that’s really great for singles.”

At the last census, neighbouring boroughs Camden (4th) and Haringey (10th) also featured in the top ten list of places with the most single people. And ButterflySocial’s data indicates that many of London’s boroughs are likely to feature in the list when the 2011 data is published.

Ms Regan explained: “All the signs are pointing to a trend for people to remain single for longer and it’s quite natural that London should top the list of the most ‘single’ places in the UK. While these may be tough economic times and jobs can be harder to come by, London is such a vibrant place. Despite its size, you are never far away from people who you can relate to or share your spare time with.”