THE perfect Valentine's Day gift in Whitehaven may well be a doggie bone tied up with a red ribbon.

We wanted to have a look at how we have celebrated Valentine's Day over the past 22 years but the dog photos in our archives outnumbered the humans by a considerable margin.

Of course, this could be explained by the act that the Whitehaven News ran a favourite pet feature for Valentine's Day 2013.

There is another submitted photo in this feature that deserves a mention.

It is the photo of Captain Andy Locke of Gosforth reading a Valentine's card from wife, Sarah, while on a tour of duty in Basra, Afghanistan.

For better or worse, our troops have pulled out of Afghanistan now but there is always conflict somewhere and families who will be separated on special occasions.

This week's feature will also serve as a public service notice: it will remind you that you do not have much time to buy the roses and chocolates or to book a table at your favourite restaurant.

However, if you have already spent this month's pay or left it too late to book that table, fear not! You have at least another five chances to make it up to your significant other.

That is because researching Saint Valentine on the History Story site, we discovered there was not just one but five Saint Valentines including one woman and a Pope - although he only last less than 50 days in post.

The one we celebrate was meant to be the early Christian martyr with a heart for people in love and beekeepers, amongst other things!

There is no proof, however, that this St Valentine was the right one so we can safely celebrate Valentine's Day on January 7, July 6 and 25 and November 3.

You need to do your research and be confident when you inform your other half that you are respecting YOUR St Valentine and assure her/him that is has absolutely nothing to do with the cost of roses in February!

Good luck and Happy Valentine's.