DESPITE economic woes, love-struck individuals across Dorset are still splashing the cash on extravagant bouquets for Valentine's Day.

Tills are ringing at florists across the county as flowers still prove to be the best way to say “I love you”.

Ali Berry, staff member at Jules in Mudeford said: “Oh my God, it's been unbelievable.

“We've done well over 120 deliveries this morning already and they are still coming.

“We've had to buy in three times the amount we normally do. Usually we get one huge order but that hasn't been enough this year and we've had to order twice more just to cope with demand.

“The most popular arrangement has been the dozen red roses - traditional.

“I really don't know why it's been so much busier this year. Initially we thought it was men being more organised but judging by this morning, it doesn't appear that's the case.

“We've done hundreds and hundreds and our Highcliffe shop is the same.”

A member of staff at Fairmile Florists in St Catherine's Parade, Christchurch said they were so busy they didn't have time to talk.

“It's just mental today”, they said.

Nicole Langdown at Ferndown Florist in Victoria Road said: “It has been pretty busy.

“This is one of our busiest times of year.”

Michelle King, who manages Woodland Florist in Pennys Walk, Ferndown, said: “We are very, very busy.

“We're mostly selling bouquets with roses in them, and there have been a lot of last-minute visits.”

Karen O'Connor at Four Seasons florist in Withermoor Road, Bournemouth, said: “We are very, very busy; it is all very positive. We have four vans on the go and lots of extra staff.

"There are no signs of people cutting back with lots of romantic men. The shop is full of people.”

A member of staff at Lansdowne Florists on Holdenhurst Road said she was too busy to talk.