'WEAR it Red' on Valentine's Day this year — and help HeartSWell South West support local heart sufferers.

HeartSWell South West is asking local people, businesses and schools to take part in its fifth Wear it Red day, by dressing in red to raise money for the charity.

With February being National Heart Month, the charity are hoping for lots of people to get involved in the fundraising event.

Rachael Rainbird, charity liaison officer for HeartSWell, praised Tavistock Pannier Market for its involvement in last year's event.

She said: 'In total £796.54 was raised at the pannier market last Valentine's Day, an absolutely fantastic achievement.

'This year, once again, we are asking people to wear as little or as much red clothing as they want, although head to toe with dyed red hair would be fantastic.

'Our suggested contribution is £1 to "Wear it Red", with a fine of £2 if you don't participate because your "heart's not in it".'

Since the first Wear it Red day in 2006, the charity has raised more than £6,000.

The money the charity receives from fundraising supports heart sufferers, their partners and carers in the South West and helps buy vital equipment for the South West Cardiothoracic Centre at Derriford Hospital. The charity also funds a specialist cardiac nurse councillor at Derriford Hospital, awards training grants to cardiac nurses, and owns HeartSWell lodge at Derriford, which provides accommodation for patients' families.