Jilted groom auctions off honeymoon ticket – after his fiancee dumped him …

Mr Whitbread leaves Manchester for Peurto Plata two days after Valentine’s Day and arrives back on March 3. 

After Mr Whitbread’s girlfriend of two years, Amy, told him she had pre-wedding nerves and couldn’t go through with their wedding, he headed straight to the travel agent to see if he could cancel the break.

But when the Co-op told him he would only be able to claim half the cost back he decided to keep the holiday and advertise for a new companion to join him.

With the help of his best friend Craig Gibson, the pair set up an auction on eBay. 

Mr Whitbread has also begun filming the project – including the moment he told his parents – with the hashtag  #girlfromthepublictodominicanrepublic.

He describes himself as a slim, 5’9, with dark hair who enjoys a good laugh.

But he warns the new companion they will be sharing a room, saying:”I’ve got no criminal record but sometimes I should be locked up for my snoring!” 

Although Mr Whitbread and his ex-fiancee had been engaged for a year and due to marry in just five weeks’ time on Valentine’s Day, Mr Whitbread says he harbours no bitterness. 

He continued: “I’m just really glad she told me before we went through with the vows on our big day – I suppose I’ve got to respect her honesty.

“But I’m certainly not going to let the money or the opportunity pass me by.

“Everyone I know is taken and I’d rather go and enjoy it with someone new that I’d never otherwise get to meet.”

But Mr Whitbread is not looking for a relationship, saying: “I’m not looking for anything apart from a fun holiday. 

“If the girl is sporty and wants to do some scuba diving with me that would be great too.