Firms sign up for challenge (From Stourbridge News)

Firms sign up for challenge

9:34am Thursday 8th February 2007 in Local

SHOPS and businesses in Wollaston are encouraging shoppers to get romantic in time for Valentine's Day to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

The BHF's Black Country fundraising manager, Janet Jones, has organised a Best Dressed Valentine Window Competition to run from Monday February 5 to Thursday February 15 as part of the heart charity's seasonal appeal - and so far 14 big-hearted businesses have signed up to take part.

Many shops will be displaying love notes in their windows and are encouraging shoppers to call in and write their own personal messages to loved ones for £1.

All money raised will go towards the charity's Valentine appeal to help fund specialist BHF heart nurses and the Heart Information Line.

Janet Jones said: "Romantic messages, pictures and even marriage proposals are all very welcome. Alternatively, platonic messages of love are also appreciated - including poems for pets and messages of friendship.

"I appreciate all the support I have received from around the village and look forward to seeing all the wonderful window displays."

High Street shop owners are also organising their own raffles and prizes.

Martin Hartill from Deli-Shus is donating a Valentine's meal for two and Joanna Wooldridge from Fleurs De Vie will be giving her lucky winner 12 red roses. The Princess pub is also organising a romantic fundraiser.

The window displays will be judged by BHF's head of community fundraising Kelvin Green and councillors June Collins, Margaret Cowell and Malcolm Knowles on Friday February 9.

A cup will be awarded to the winning business and the runner-up will get a certificate.

To find out more about the appeal visit bhf.org.uk/valentine or call Janet Jones on 01384 376266.