LOVE is all around this Valentine's Day, with one south Cumbrian florists braced for the busiest day of the year.

Elaine Burley, of Oasis Florist on Cavendish Street, Barrow, has taken some of Cumbria's most romantic orders over the years, with some Romeo's in the town making grand gestures to their treasured ones.

Among the thousands of roses handed out this year, the florist has taken two standout orders ahead of today's big day, with the unnamed men proving you can't put a price on love.

Mrs Burley said: "We've had one order for a £200 bouquet, which has 60 roses, and one of our regular customers has ordered a £140 one.

"He's always buying his partner roses worth that much, every two to three weeks really.

"People really do go above and beyond at Valentine's Day. Our biggest ever order was a mixed flower bouquet worth £250."

For many, the countdown to Valentine's Day begins once the Christmas lights are taken down, with shops and supermarkets embracing the next big occasion.

Mrs Burley said: "It's a bit of a daunting time of year for us because of the supermarkets, but people do come in looking for something special.

"When you want a special bouquet you can't beat a florists."

Every year the day proves a race against time for many love-struck admirers, with the task facing florists always proving a gruelling one.

For Mrs Burley, the preparations the day is always a long one, with many leaving it until the last minute.

"We've done really well. We had managed to get ahead at one point on Tuesday.

"I'd been up since 3.15 yesterday morning hammering them out. I've done quite a lot of them.

"I do find men tend to leave it until the last minute.

"They'll come rushing in the day before and take everyone I've made, so I always have to make more.

"It's going to be a long night."

The annual celebration of Saint Valentine always proves a busy one for florists around the country, with the demand this year higher than most according to Mrs Burley.

She said: "It's always a busy time of year for us, but this year has been busier than most.

"I'm constantly ordering more to make sure we're ready. It is just how it is."