Hull is the third tightest city when it comes to Valentine’s Day

The slew of Valentine’s Day merchandise has hit the shops in the run-up to Sunday. Do you get them a cheesy teddy bear? Some cheap-looking flowers? Or will choccies do the trick again?

According to new figures, not a fat lot if you’re in Hull. Romantics in the city are the third tightest across the country, with only Coventry and Walsall spending less on their loved ones.

People in Hull spend an average of £32.55 on the holiday, significantly below the national average of £45.10. Our neighbours York obviously didn’t get the memo “money can’t buy you love”, as their average spend is £48.21.

I really, really, really, really like Newland

The romantic capital of the country is Preston, with a whopping average of £53.36 being spent by each lovestruck soul. Ouch.

Valentine’s Day has been dubbed as “bigger than Christmas” for some sectors. Restaurants often see a 14 per cent rise in takings and hotels will see a 30 per cent rise in sales.

The most popular gift of the holiday is a bouquet of flowers and florists are expecting to see revenues triple in the manic 48-hour period up to Sunday. Tesco has also estimated it will sell over one billion bouquets this year.

Monday 15th February is now being dubbed “make-up Monday” in anticipation of the fallout that a cheap or no-show Valentine’s day gift can bring. Those last-minute fools can expect to fork out 25 per cent more on make-up gifts – so don’t leave it too late.