IT’S a nightmare situation.

You’re all set for a romantic date and a chance to meet Mr or Mrs Right.

But when you get there the person sitting opposite has the table manners of a hippopotamus and the conversation skills of a wet flannel.

However, help may soon be at hand after a team from Southampton developed a new phone app designed to help you escape from the date from hell.

A team from Carswell Gould came up with the idea for Date Escape in a recent brainstorming session for technology professionals in Hampshire to come up with new ideas for phone apps.

And the judges at the PubHack event in Portsmouth were so impressed with the team’s creation that they awarded them the best design award.

Date Escape allows you to sign into the app before going on a date using your Twitter profile and add your mobile number.

Then, if you feel you need to escape at any point during the date, you can use the app to provide you with a variety of excuses to make a hasty exit, including a flat-mate being locked out, escaped pets or even news that your house is burning down.

Tom McLean, the firm’s design manager and associate partner, was one of the team who created the app.

He said: “While it didn't come directly from any individual’s personal experience, we’ve all been in a situation where you will take any excuse to escape.

“With the rise of online dating, Tinder and similar apps it’s easier than ever to meet complete strangers and you never quite know what you’re going to get.”

The team is now planning to release the app commercially next year.

Have you ever had a date disaster?  What was your excuse to get out of it? Leave your comments below or e-mail newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk