As today is Valentine’s Day, we thought it appropriate to look back on how Cumbrians have celebrated the occasion over the years.
And the good news is, they’ve never been shy in sharing the love.
One of the key dates for florists, February 14 has brought an annual flurry of activity for those in the county.
Pictured is Helen Wilson from flower wholesaler The Flower Bank near Wreay, Carlisle, who organised the thousands of red roses for onward delivery to customers ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Also shown is Julie Carruthers of Fearon Flowers in Workington, who, in 2014, estimated that she would sell over 2,000 roses.
Traditionally a time for proposals, Valentine’s Day 2014 saw Alison Sharpe and Rod Smith get engaged. They are pictured with enormous cards.
For some, it’s also an excuse for fundraising, and at an event at the Horse and Jockey in Dalton, people were auctioned off for dates and men got their chests waxed to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and St Mary’s Hospice.
In the picture, a surprisingly cheerful looking Scott Benn is having his chest waxed by Danielle Benson.
Valentine’s Day 2015 coincided with the Times & Star’s Heartstart campaign, which aimed to install 15 defibrillators across West Cumbria.
Showing their support with hearts at Maryport cafe Her Citi are, from left, Maggie Whittaker, Debbie Wright, Janette Baines, Petchra Chelli, and Judith Wood.
Love was in the air for Angela Windle and Stephen Robinson from Workington, with Stephen presenting Angela with a bunch of red roses.
The same was true for Christopher and Louise Tait, who won the Mr & Mrs contest at the Buck Hotel, Langholm.
A very brave Jonathan Kaye, owner of Cedar Manor Hotel, Windermere, is shown apparently naked apart from an apron as he models the new home design range, Love District, ahead of its launch on Valentine’s Day.
At least he’s wearing sensible footwear.
When asked in 2016 for her top tip for celebrating the occasion, Rebecca Wood, 24, of Fusehill Street, Carlisle, said: “Making that one person feel special. The wow factor.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here