Eight out of ten people want St Valentine's Day banned, according to a survey by a Darwen-based envelope company.

Chapman Envelopes' survey showed most of the public think it's a waste of time and money and feel pressured into celebrating it.

This is despite the fact that this year just under 50 per cent of the population will collectively have spent around £75million on cards for today.

To combat the nation's Valentine's apathy and to encourage romanticism all year round, Chapman Envelopes is launching a new campaign to Love the Letter'.

The campaign will consist of several fun and informative initiatives across the year designed to encourage people into taking part in the dying art of letter-writing.

Established in 1898, Chapman, based at Waterside Business Park, Eccleshill, is the UK's leading manufacturer of envelopes.

Sarah Wilde, marketing manager, said: "It's clear from most people we've spoken to that they would much prefer to receive a letter regularly with a personal touch than a one-off tacky card.

"We shouldn't under-estimate the impact regular hand-written letters can have on loved ones."