LOVE is in the air in Darlington’s Covered Market as shoppers are invited to search for hearts among the stalls to win romantic prizes.

Special hearts with loving words have been printed in the February issue of the Darlington Together magazine, which is being delivered to all residents in the next week.

Nine hearts will be then placed at selected stalls in the Victorian Market Hall and, for a chance to win a selection of prizes including a meal for two at The Keys in Darlington, all entrants must match the hearts in the magazine with the hearts on the stalls in the market.

Other prizes include a £50 shopping voucher and the main ingredients for a romantic meal for two, fresh from the market.

The heart trail is one of a range of Valentine-themed events taking place in Darlington.

On February 14, visitors may find themselves being serenaded by suit-clad waiters who will be handing out treats while a love board will be placed at Joseph Pease Place for people to post personal messages.

Youngsters will be able to make Valentine’s Day cards and have their face painted.

Photogenic romantics will have the chance to get snapped in a special photo booth in the Cornmill Shopping Centre and enter a competition to win a weekend away at Rockliffe Hall.

Councillor Chris McEwan, of Darlington Council, said: “The heart trail competition and the extra events on Valentine’s Day will give people even more reason to love what Darlington town centre has to offer and I urge everyone to come along and sample the lovely atmosphere of our town.”