by Andy Gray
agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

A flower shop’s Valentine’s Day competition has captured hearts and minds.
Flowers of Distinction in Coxheath has been inundated after asking villagers for their wedding photographs.
The snaps span several generations and are on display in the shop window.
The owners of the oldest-dated photograph will win a Valentine’s Day bouquet from shop owner Rebecca Green, who is thrilled with the response to her romantic call.
She said: “It’s been a fantastic success which proves the people of Coxheath are a sentimental bunch.
“We do different windows every Valentine’s but this one really has caught the imagination.
“People love stopping to look in the window and it makes for a lovely display. We’ve had photos from all ages and we’re hoping for a lot more.”
The oldest photograph among the 40 so far received dates back to 1944.
Entrants have until Valentine’s Day itself – Monday – to present their precious snaps.
Every photograph received will be numbered, as a second winner will be selected at random.
As well as providing a pictorial accompaniment to the most romantic day of the year, stories attached to the photographs give a fascinating glimpse into wedding celebrations of yesteryear.
Rebecca said: “People have been bringing in their wedding albums as well as their photographs.
“Some kept a list of the gifts they received on the day and it makes very interesting reading. They were given things like pillow cases, egg cups and pound notes – there wasn’t a microwave in sight.”