Wow,

I didn't expect such a huge response from everyone. Thanks.

I agree with you guys that letting him down nicely is the best option. I never thought to actually analyse the reasons why he asked me but from what you guys said it makes more sense that if he's really interested that it would have taken a great deal of courage on his part to ask.

I think I'll just take it as a compliment that he thinks I'm attractive (it doesn't hurt to have positive reinforcement occassionally). I guess the best way to put it to him is that I've known him for a long time and that it wouldn't work between us because I am not interested in or attracted to other guys and that whilst it's unfortunate, I'd still like to be friends.

Thanks once again everyone, I didn't particularly want to absolutely crush him.

Cheers,

Allan