IN Worcester last year, one flower shop sold 15,000 roses for Valentine's Day - which proves that romance isn't dead in the city.

At Flowers of Worcester, in CrownGate just off the High Street, 2007 was a big year and they are hoping for an equally good 2008.

The event is one of the busiest days for them - second only to Mother's Day.

The Rolls Royce of roses is the Grand Prix - the biggest headed one - which sells at £4 per stem.

Claire Taylor, manager of the florist, said: "Hopefully, giving roses and flowers is coming back into fashion. The traditional flower to give was the tulip as lovers would hide a note within the tulip and when the flower opened the note would be revealed."

If the love of your life has more of a sweet tooth, Sweet Delight on Chapel Walk in the Crowngate sells a range of traditional sweets in heart-shaped jars filled with brightly coloured sweets, chocolate hearts and glass vases containing a wooden rose. Prices start from £1.99.

Owner Paul Martin said: "We have quite a good selection for you to choose from and something for all tastes. What is also popular is the traditional sweets in jars which some couples can enjoy together."

Mr Martin said he thought it was important to mark the occasion: "It shows your appreciation to your loved one. Living with someone for a while it can be easy to forget to say thank you or how much you care, so this is the perfect opportunity."

Next, on the High Street in Worcester has a big selection of sexy lingerie for the lady in your life - along with tasty heart-shaped chocolates, Valentine crackers and body-care ranges. Prices start at £5.

For men, there is a range of Valentine-themed socks and grooming products with prices starting at £3.

For something a bit different, the home department also offers items such as red vases and flowers (prices starting at £10).

House of Fraser has a wide range of Valentine's gifts and cards and will also be holding a free-to-enter Valentine's poem competition. Simply go into the store, pick up an entry form at either the stationery counter or the restaurant, write your poem down, hand it in and then wait to see if you win. The forms are available from now until Valentine's Day.

Store manager Clementina Fraser said: "The poem that is deemed the best, as decided by the House of Fraser management team, will win a Valentine's Day hamper filled to the brim with all kinds of Valentine's goodies."

The Art House Café has a great Valentine's Day special offer. When you make an advance booking for two people on Valentine's Day you get your drinks and desserts free.

The cafe is open from 10.30am until 4pm and bookings can be made by phone on 01905 617161.

WHAT'S HOTYou're planning the candlelit meal, have thought about a present, and are convinced that the most romantic day of the year - Valentine's Day - will go to plan.

But those gestures will come to nothing unless you're fit for love, and that means taking an emotional health check.

Whether you're trying to woo a new date, or wanting to spoil a partner it's vital that your expectations are similar to those of your loved one and that you're truly in tune with one another.

Relationship expert and Relate counsellor, Denise Knowles believes one of the most common mistakes people make is to heap too much expectation on the Valentine's event.

"It's a lovely romantic day but it shouldn't be regarded as the be all and end all," she says.

"Romantic gestures needn't be confined to one day as affectionate loving actions throughout the year are key to a healthy relationship.

"Many men don't realise that women operate on a points system - a bunch of roses on Valentine's Day equals one point, but a single bloom every day for a month, even a flower from the garden, is a staggering 31 points.

That doesn't necessarily mean you have to splash out if you can't afford to because a hug, a compliment, and doing something thoughtful each day will be just as appreciated."

She advises that people should regularly give their relationships and their sex life an MOT. "Just like a car a relationship needs to be maintained and looked after otherwise it can start to develop lots of niggling faults and eventually break down.

"Couples who take the time and trouble to keep their partnerships healthy and fit will reap the benefits with a sexy, fulfilling love life."