IT seems that chivalry can start at a very young age indeed.

When five-year-old Freddie Gibson, from Christchurch, asked his parents what a date was, he told them he wanted to take his best friend, Dee Dee, for a romantic meal.

He even sent her an invitation in the post asking her to accompany him on a date - only once she had turned five of course.

He saved up all his birthday money to splash out on a meal at Pizza Express, and even bought a new wallet to keep the money safe.

His mum, Nina, arranged for a mini bouquet after Freddie told her he wanted to give Dee Dee some flowers.

“Katy [Dee Dee’s mum] and I have known each other since our antenatal classes, and the children have always had an incredibly close friendship,"

Nina said. "Freddie had been talking about asking Dee Dee on a date for a while, so as they’re both huge Pizza Express fans it seemed like the obvious place for them to go. It was just the cutest trip out ever, and it was so wonderful to see them have such a great time.”

Staff at the restaurant threw in a dessert decorated with hearts as a special gesture for the young 'couple'.

Freddie said: “Dee Dee is my best friend in the whole world, and I loved our date. I'd like to take Dee Dee on another date because she's beautiful.”

Dee Dee Jones added: “I really enjoyed going on a date with Freddie – especially the hearts on our ice cream.”

Katy Jones, Dee Dee's mum, said Freddie was very respectful of her daughter and, despite being very different in terms of their personalities, the youngsters get on like a house on fire.

She said: “It really was the funniest thing, an invite in the post (once Dee Dee had reached the respectable age of five), a tiny bouquet of flowers, a table for two by the window.

"They are polar opposites in personality but really are very fond of each other, Dee Dee has even picked out her wedding dress from the local boutique."