What have Sadie Frost, Patsy Kensit, Halle Berry and Elizabeth Taylor got in common? They've all shacked up with men several years their junior - and are proud of it.

But it's not just the celebrities who look to younger men to spice up their romantic lives. Government figures show that in 2004, one in every four brides was older than their groom, a huge increase from the one in seven who got hitched to toyboys back in 1963.

And it's not just those walking down the aisle who are toying with the idea of a younger man. According to a recent survey by dating service Parship, an increasing number of ladies over the age of 45 are now on the lookout for a young'un to date. Apparently 10%, which equates to some 280,000, are after a toyboy.

Kate Taylor, relationship expert at Match.com, reckons it's not hard to see why we are seeking out the company of the younger generation.

"Our old view of romantic relationships was 'men provide, women receive'," she says. "But as that changes and women can buy their own houses, cars and even sperm, there isn't much left for men to provide except sex, fun and companionship.

"Who would you choose to give you those things? A balding 40-something middle manager with high cholesterol and a dicky knee from Sunday football? Or a fit, lively 30-year-old?"