VALENTINE'S Day is the floral equivalent of a military assault. Precision planning and forethought are the keys to a successful operation.While many people think of a florist as a shop full of sweet-smelling blooms and smiling staff today it was a full-scale operation like no other.

VALENTINE'S Day is the floral equivalent of a military assault. Precision planning and forethought are the keys to a successful operation.

While many people think of a florist as a shop full of sweet-smelling blooms and smiling staff today it was a full-scale operation like no other.

Their mission was to spread romance, mend some broken hearts and bring a little joy to the daily grind.

Tower Florists, in Tower Ramparts, Ipswich, is no exception and owner Rob Dunger said there had been a real, "woosh of love" this week.

"It has been a Valentine's week for the first time this year. People are buying early and spending a lot of money on their gifts. I have got a 35-strong work force, couriers and other driver ready to deliver some romance in to peoples lives," he said.

A quick look round this operation confirms what Mr Dunger said. There are the smiling faces, blooms and balloons but look a little closer behind the scenes and this is where the real work takes place. One member of staff mans the phones and keeps check on internet orders while others, surrounded by ribbon and teddy bears make up the bouquets. In another warehouse across the road drivers await their instructions in a sea of red. More women attend to the bouquets and the floor is awash with gifts ready to be delivered.

Mr Dunger said: "My staff worked until we had to and the plan today is to get everything out as soon as possible. There is nothing worse than being the last one in the office to receive your bouquet. Drivers and the courier service were all on stand-by to get away very early so that everything runs smoothly.

"Valentine's Day really is a day for flowers and it is our job to help it run smoothly. I have ordered about the same amount of flowers this year although business is up by about ten per cent.