While love is in the air for more than half of Brits this Valentine’s Day (53 percent), a new study by price comparison site finder.com shows that some are postponing romance until after February 14.

In fact, almost one in five Brits (19 percent) are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day after the 14th February to get better value. The younger you are, the more likely you celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day to save some money, with over a quarter of millennials (25.6 percent) admitting to this, followed by 22 percent of Gen X and just 11.5 percent of baby boomers. Higher income couples are most likely to delay and save

Interestingly, the more you earn, the more likely you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day late to save money. 17.2 percent of those earning between £0-£35,000 celebrate late, compared to 22.2 percent of those earning over £35,001, on average. Londoners are the thriftiest on the most romantic day of the year, with 23.1 percent admitting to celebrating late, followed by the East Midlands (22.5 percent) and those in the South West (20 percent). In contrast, those residing in Wales are more likely to stick to tradition, as only 13 percent claim to profess their love late in order to stretch their pound further, followed by those in Northern Ireland (14.3 percent) and in the North West (16.5 percent). Puppy love

Valentine’s Day isn’t only for couples as over one in twenty Brits will be treating their pets this year (7.5 percent). Dogs are favoured over cats for a Valentine’s gift as 4.5 percent of dog lovers will be spoiling their pooches while 3 percent will dote on their cat. Other interesting stats include:

• Almost half (46.8 percent) of those who celebrate Valentine’s Day admit to receiving a gift they didn’t like – that’s an estimated 9.7 million Brits
• Of those who receive gifts on Valentine’s, men are more likely to not like them (52.6 percent) than women (41.4 percent)
• Of those who receive gifts, millennials are most likely to not like their Valentine’s Day present (52.5 percent) compared with a close 52.3 percent of Gen Xers and 34.4 percent of baby boomers
• 53 percent of Brits plan to spend money on their loved ones for February 14 – an estimated 22 million Brits
• Those in Yorkshire and the Hunter are the loneliest, with 37.3 percent planning on not celebrating Valentine’s Day this year. This is followed by the West Midlands (35.5 percent) and East Midlands (33.3 percent). On the other hand, Londoner’s are the most likely to be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year (73.5 percent), followed by Northern Ireland (73.2 percent)
• Most people are planning to treat their wife or husband this Valentine’s Day (59.6 percent), followed by their boyfriend or girlfriend (28.2 percent) and interestingly their children (4.7 percent).
• 3.78 percent will be buying a gift for their secret admirer, while 2.1 percent will be buying themselves a Valentine’s Day gift.

The month of love is upon us and with Valentine’s Day looming it’s time to celebrate our one true love. But this year Lintbells, manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, are calling for dog owners to appreciate the love and companionship man’s best friend gives them every day.

Here are five reasons why a dog is all you need this Valentine’s Day.

They will always be happy to see you

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and being greeted by your dog who couldn’t be happier to see you, with their wet nose and wagging tail. When you walk through the door your dog won’t be waiting for you with a list of jobs, or to moan about their day. Your canine companions will always be happy to see you, whether they bound over to you, jump up, bark or even give you a kiss, it can sometimes be just the lift you need after a bad day.

They are always loyal

Dogs aren’t known as ‘man’s best friend’ for no reason; it is in their nature to be truly loyal to their owners. There is no worry about your pet pooch leaving your side! And due to their empathic communication skills they have an understanding like no other animal. They can sense your emotions and can tell when you are feeling sad or worried and will be right by your side to comfort you.

Dogs will always make you laugh

For many of us a GSOH (good sense of humour) is incredibly important when it comes to potential romantic partners, but our four legged friends can also provide us with lots of laughs. Whether they’re chasing their tail, barking at dogs on the TV, or finding amusement from an old tennis ball, you can always rely on your dog to make you laugh. Their unpredictable, sometimes goofy antics and even human like behaviour and expressions will always guarantee to put a smile on your face.

They’re the perfect travel buddy

We know they are loyal and can always make us smile when we need it, so why not turn your furry best friend into your travel partner as well. With the right preparation and research a getaway with your pooch can be easier than ever – and you know they will always be free! No more waiting to getaway while your partner struggles to book time off work. With your dog you can enjoy long walks on the beach, explore beautiful outdoor landscapes or even pay a visit to the nearest dog friendly pub. They can make the perfect travel companion, plus they won’t argue with you when you need to ask for directions.

They are good for your health and wellbeing

Last, but by no means least, our canine companions can be hugely beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Owning a dog is linked to lowering blood pressure, they can also help to reduce stress levels and spending time with a furry friend can help to lower anxiety, not always the case with your human mates. A survey carried about by Lintbells, of 1000 dog owners; found that 86 per cent of people believed having a dog can help to bring down stress levels. As well as this, with all the regular exercise dogs need, they can help to keep you fit and active and even help with weight loss.

Spring has sprung early at Twycross Zoo with the arrival of three new babies, meaning there has never been a better time to visit Leicestershire’s award-winning conservation charity.

The Zoo’s internationally renowned Endangered Species Breeding Programme is off to a great start for 2018, with three different species born during January and February. Babies such as Pogo Junior, the baby Dik Dik, and two adorable little monkeys are the new arrivals set to delight visitors of all ages.

Home to over 500 animals of 150 different species from all around the world, it’s the only place in the UK where you can see all four great apes – chimpanzees, orang utans, gorillas and bonobos.

From 10^th to 25^th February, the Zoo will host its popular Keeper Talks, where visitors are invited to meet the Twycross conservation experts and learn all about the animals in their care. The jam-packed calendar of daily talks will cover all sorts of species, great and small, and include everything from elephants, to lemars and Spider monkeys.

Open from 10am to 5pm, 364 days a year, whatever the weather, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Visitors to the impressive 80-acre site can get up close and learn all about the animals in their indoor and outdoor enclosures including the state of the art Gibbon Forest, Giraffe Savanna, and Elephant Creek. There is so much to see on a family day out, walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins, say hi to the cheetahs and let your little ones go wild on the outdoor adventure play areas.

This year marks 100 years since Parliament passed a law allowing the first women and all men in the UK to vote.

To celebrate this milestone the City of Wolverhampton Archives and Wolverhampton Art Gallery are hosting two exhibitions and a talk to explore how the change in legislation transformed the lives of women and how the women of Wolverhampton played a significant part in the fight for women’s right to vote.

Running until Saturday, March 24, Votes for Women, is on at the City Archives, Molineux Hotel Building, Whitmore Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SF.

It looks at the contribution of women from Wolverhampton in the fight to gain the vote.

The exhibition is free and showcases historical documentation, and imagery of the women involved in this triumph.

Visitors can see Votes for Women during the City Archives’ opening times on Wednesdays (1pm - 7pm), Thursdays and Fridays (10am - 4pm) and Saturdays (10am - 1pm).

At Wolverhampton Art Gallery, on Thursday, March 8, emerging academic and art historian Hannah Squire will give an illustrated International Women’s Day Talk about the forthcoming exhibition Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality, celebrating the city’s Suffrage campaigners, factory workers, women artists and activists, and their part in the national movement for gender equality.

The talk will take place from 11am to noon, and costs £2 per person.

Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality opens at the Lichfield Street gallery on Saturday, May 26, and admission to the exhibition is free.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am delighted the city archives and gallery are highlighting the huge part the people of Wolverhampton played in securing the right to vote for women.

“I would urge everyone to go along to these fabulous exhibitions. Not only is it a chance to learn more about this critical moment in history, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the determination and strength of those involved in the fight.”

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is inviting its big hearted supporters to join them on their second annual London to Paris bike ride. Taking place on 5-9 September, this epic challenge will see supporters of all abilities cycle 300 miles over four consecutive days, to help raise vital funds for the sick kids and their families cared for at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

James Lunney, Events Fundraiser at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “I took part in last year’s London to Paris bike ride and it was an incredible experience which I will never forget. We had team members who hadn’t cycled for over 20 years and all abilities of fitness. We were all cycling for kids and their families at this amazing hospital and that’s what keeps you going through the tough periods. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the team when we reached the Eiffel Tower.

“Not only is it amazing experience for all involved, but it also raises vital funds to help provide the best possible facilities and environment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, for our exceptional patients and young people.”

The Fundraising Team is inviting you to join them at one of their Presentation Evenings to find out more about this life-changing challenge; meeting at the Fundraising Hub based in the main entrance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Wednesday 14 February at 6pm. Come along and hear from past cyclists, meet some of your potential team and get a detailed look into the training, fundraising and magic of the London to Paris bike ride.

Birmingham St Mary’s ‘Let’s Danceathon’ is back – and it’s asking people to bust their best moves in support of their local Hospice.

Taking place on Saturday 3 March in Kings Heath, the event will allow dance enthusiasts to strut their stuff for six continuous hours to help raise vital funds for the charity.

From BollyTone to Clubbercise, SwingTrain to Freestyle, participants will have the chance to groove their way through six different styles of dance, with experts on hand to lead the way.

Lucy Watkins, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Let’s Danceathon is a really lively and energetic event in which participants of all abilities are welcome – whether you’re a complete beginner or a dancing queen. We’ve got a great mix of different dances to suit everyone, so it’s a fun way to get active, experiment with new styles and find a dance you love.”

This is the second Let’s Danceathon that Birmingham St Mary’s has hosted, with last year’s event quickly selling out to 200 participants. It raised over £23,000 for the Hospice, which provides vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness.

Lucy added: “It costs £8million to run our crucial services every year, so we truly rely on the generous support of local people to ensure we can continue to provide the best hospice care to individuals, their families, loved ones and carers, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Let’s Danceathon takes place from 3.30pm to 11pm at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys. Early bird tickets start from £10 and can be booked at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/lets-danceathon