FLORISTS in Salisbury have seen an "incredibly important" large amount of support during one of their busiest days of the year.

Valentine's Day is traditionally one of the most bustling days for florists and the city's independently-owned businesses have been 'rushed off their feet' this year.

Hayley Abbott, a 30-year-old artist from Salisbury, has been working for Shirley Snells on and off for 16 years and said the day had been "very hectic".

The shop, at 16 Milford Street, sold out of flowers after selling around 1,200 red roses, up from the 800 sold last year.

Salisbury Journal: Owner Sam Coward with Emily Lapsley, Hayley Abbott and Jill Jolliffe.Owner Sam Coward with Emily Lapsley, Hayley Abbott and Jill Jolliffe. (Image: Newsquest)

"It’s incredibly important as it is our best day of the year besides Mothers' Day," Hayley said.

Mark White, 65, lives in Morgan’s Vale and was buying a mixed bouquet of flowers for his wife Vivienne when the Journal visited the shop.

Mr White said: “It’s a special occasion, it only comes once a year. I have always come here over the years as I get warm, welcoming service every time.”

Salisbury Journal: Mark White, 65, was buying flowers for his wife Vivienne.Mark White, 65, was buying flowers for his wife Vivienne. (Image: Newsquest)

Hayley explained how the classic 12 red roses are still very popular but that customers have been wanting more variation in colour this year with some choosing to buy house plants instead.

"We’re completely sold out. Considering it’s meant to be a cost of living crisis, you would not know it from how well we have sold for Valentine’s Day," Hayley added.

Gullicks Florist is the longest-standing flower shop in Salisbury with 118 years of history at 109 Fisherton Street.

Owner Heather Jackson, from Warminster, has been with the store for 10 years and said Valentine's Day makes up "a big chunk" of the business' yearly income.

Salisbury Journal: Vicky Healeigh, Heather Jackson and Emma Pritchard at Gullicks Florist.Vicky Healeigh, Heather Jackson and Emma Pritchard at Gullicks Florist. (Image: Newsquest)

Heather said she had sold around 200 bouquets in total this year, adding: "It's quite similar every year because we have all our local customers who come back. We have had lots of people ordering in advance.

"Thank you to all the local customers for supporting us we appreciate all their orders and custom.”