Romance is blossoming in Johnstone...just ask Allan Henderson.

While hopeless romantics ponder how best to impress their very own Mister or Miss Right, Allan can enjoy the sound of his till jingling.

As owner of Henderson’s Flowers, in the town’s High Street, February 14 always brings a welcome boost in trade.

Through its bouquets, the business has been brightening up lives since 1926 and is now in its third generation of owners, having been taken over by Allan, grandson of founder William Henderson, in 1988.

Much has changed in society in the 90-plus years that Henderson’s has been up and running – but it is clear that many people remain happy to ‘say it with flowers’ on the most loved-up day on the calendar.

Allan told The Gazette: “Romance is definitely not dead in Johnstone, far from it.

“Valentine’s Day is always very busy in our shop. We have so many people coming in and we have lots of different arrangements they can choose from.

“We find that roses still remain very popular and most of our Valentine’s arrangements have a rose incorporated into them somewhere.

“I think it is very much fair to say that people still enjoy that tradition of giving someone flowers.”

Whether the romantic in you is looking for a single red or pink flower presented in a vase or perhaps a more grand gesture in the shape of 100 hand-tied roses, Henderson’s aims to offer its customers a variety of options in its Valentine’s range.

It’s not all about roses though, as there are dozens of bouquets and baskets in the romance range, which includes other favourites such as lilies and freesias.

Of course, there are those who would suggest the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day has rather blunted Cupid’s arrow, with some preferring to save the pennies by showing their affection in a way that doesn’t involve cards, flowers, chocolates, cuddly toys or any of the many other gifts that fill shop windows at this time of the year.

Allan, however, is quick to dismiss the suggestion that February 14 has lost that lovin’ feeling.

He said: “Valentine’s is a very special day for my business, as it is for many people in Johnstone and beyond.

“I think love is alive and kicking around here, for sure.”