IT'S less of the hopeless romantic and more of the useless romantic if a new survey is to be believed.

The National Farmers' Union is urging unromantic Brits to pull out all the stops and make sure their partners "get it once a week".

The saucy message is all part of a campaign to encourage people to splash out on home-grown flowers.

John Richardson, of the NFU Board for Horticulture, said the NFU's new campaign, launched at the Chelsea Flower Show, was an ideal opportunity for Brits to throw off their unromantic reputation.

"The British have always been rather conservative and reserved, so we are urging people to open up a bit and give their loved ones some flowers," he said.

Updated: 08:47 Thursday, May 29, 2003