LOVESTRUCK residents in Worcester are being urged to open up their hearts and raise money for people with life-threatening conditions.

The British Heart Foundation shop in Mealcheapen Street, in the city centre, is asking people to make a donation, and in return they can fill in a heart-shaped notice with a love message that will be displayed in the store's window.

The heart messages will go on display on Tuesday, January 25, when there will be a special fund-raising day at the shop from 10am.

Catherine Neary, store manager, said: "Their message doesn't have to be to a person, it could be to a garden or place they love or one of their animals, we get all sorts of messages.

"If people don't want to write a heart message they can simply put some coppers in a collection bucket."

The cash raised will go to the BHF's Real Valentine appeal, which aims to clock up £1m to fund more specialist heart nurses across the nation, including in Worcestershire.

"We'd like as many people to come along as possible," said Ms Neary.

"Myself and the volunteers are looking forward to welcoming people into the shop."

Love messages can also be written at the Salt Rock Caf, in Gurneys Lane, Droitwich, at a coffee morning for the same appeal being held on Valentine's Day on Monday, February 14.