AS A poll finds romance is alive and well in Birmingham, Consumer Editor Emma McKinney asks Brummies what they are buying their loved ones this Valentine's Day.

ROMANCE is alive and well in Birmingham, according to a new survey.

A poll of consumers at the city centre’s Pallasades shopping centre found that, despite the economic gloom, people are still planning on splashing some cash to treat their loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

The survey found 80 per cent of men questioned and 96 per cent of women said they would be buying a present for their partner.

And when quizzed about how much they were planning to spend, the average shopper said they would splurge at least £55 on proving their love.

Flowers proved the most popular buy, with 40 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women saying they were going to treat their loved ones to a bouquet this year.

A quarter of the men polled said they would be buying their partner jewellery this year, with two respondents saying that an engagement ring was on the cards.

Only ten per cent of women said they were giving jewellery to their guys – and none said they were taking advantage of the leap year tradition of women proposing to men!

Chocolates were popular with both sexes, with 18 per cent of men and eight per cent of women opting for confectionery as their choice of gift.

Meanwhile, 13 per cent of men and ten per cent of women are buying fashion for their partners, including trainers.

Around 15 per cent of women are planning to give their man aftershave, and about 12 per cent of those questioned said they were booking a romantic meal for two as a gift.