WE asked you what you were doing for Valentine's Day...

Amanda Burls, 49, Haydon Wick: “My husband and I are childhood sweethearts, married 14 years. We got engaged on Valentine’s Day so it’s a very special day for both of us. We always go out and try to surprise each other, so I’ve no idea what to expect this year. Hopefully a nice meal.”

Michael Gale, 60, Old Town: “It’s a good day for romance and having a good time with the people you love, though sadly I personally don’t have any plans.”

Roberta Heads, 75, Eastleaze: “Valentine’s Day’s not really that important for me anymore, but back when me and my late husband were courting, I’d find a bunch of flowers that he’d picked from his garden in my handbag, sometimes some chocolate too.”

Dianne Hogg, 74, Eastleaze: “It’s very commercial nowadays, like every other big holiday. My husband was very romantic before we got engaged, he used to bring me a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day. We were married for 50 years – and they said it wouldn’t last. But the day means nothing now that he’s gone.”

Chris Powell, 46, said: "I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day, I think it's a little bit too commercial. It's just another day really. I don't think we'll be doing anything special, I just think it has become far too commercial."

Jane Wilson, 67, said: "On the one hand, it would be good if it lasted all year round. But on the other, it's good to make that one day special. It gives you something to look forward to because you know you will be doing something nice. I have been married for 47 years and I expect to get a card and some flowers - it will be lovely."

Maurice Stratford, 77, said: "It's good to keep the tradition going. A lot of people get pleasure from it and I think it's great. It's an important date in the calendar for many people, and if it makes them happy then I'm all for it."

Sarah Checksfield, 47, said: "I am a huge fan of Valentine's Day. I am lucky enough to have a lovely partner and it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your love. We will be going for a meal and to the cinema, so I'm very much looking forward to it."