Forget flowers and chocolates - romantic couples are being given the chance to say goodbye to creases in their clothes for Valentine's Day.

Dry cleaning firm Johnson's is pledging to take the steam out of family feuds by introducing a special gift voucher for its ironing service.

The company says giving one of the £10 vouchers to your loved one as a Valentine's present is the perfect way of restoring domestic bliss.

It will pay for the average couple's weekly ironing to be done professionally in a day - leaving plenty of time for them to enjoy the finer things in life.

But according to many Bradfordians, the course of true love has a better chance of running smoothly - not to mention the creases in their trousers - if couples stick to more traditional gifts.

Model couple Gillian and Andy King say they will not be taking up the Johnson's offer.

Gillian, who is trying to break into acting, says all the ironing at their home in Leaventhorpe Lane, Bradford, is done by their cleaner.

"I certainly wouldn't do Andy's ironing anyway and I don't do my own so it's not the sort of thing I'd be interested in," she said.

"My ideal Valentine's gift would be a chauffeur for a day so I didn't have to drive myself around everywhere."

Gillian said Andy, who used to be a male stripper with The Centurions, usually bought her something like chocolates for Valentine's Day but then ate them all himself.

The idea did strike a chord, however, with Mike Craft, lead singer with Bradford rock band Smokie.

"I'm not sure it's a very romantic present but from a practical point of view it would perfect for me because you can't take enough suitcases to tour with you. Getting the ironing done is a nightmare."

Pauline Allison, Bradford district manager for Johnson's, said: "Many customers have requested gift vouchers for the new service and we thought Valentine's Day was the ideal time to introduce them."

Vouchers are not available at branches. To order one ring (0870) 7307777.

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