HANDS up all those who had a mystery card or two through the door this morning?

Today is Valentine’s Day, the most romantic date in the calendar.

Cynics will say that it is just another fake creation which means restaurants are impossible to get into, card shops make loads of money and women get chocolates and flowers for the only time in the year.

But, as our brief survey of people around East Lancashire shows, it would appear we’re all romantics at heart.

And what’s wrong with that?

If snugglelumps wants to send pixiewixie a syrupy card declaring undying love, let them.

All too often we report on relationships which have broken down and often end in unpleasant circumstances so it would be very churlish to object to a time when people actually make a point of treating each other with a little tenderness.

Perhaps it would be better for society as a whole if we could take the essential elements from Valentine’s Day, remove the added expense and commercial excess and apply the principles of being caring and considerate to all 365 days of the year rather than just one.