Spending to mark 14 February is expected to rise to £1.32 billion, up from £1.20 billion last year, with shoppers spending an average of £95.80 on their loved ones.

Flowers, chocolates and jewellery are the most popular Valentine's gifts, and research shows that men are more likely to buy gifts online than women.

The figures were put together by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Director-general Kevin Hawkins said:

"The number of romantics, their expectations and their desire to show their feelings seem to rise steadily each year.

"We expect total spending will be up on last year by slightly more than inflation."