Husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, children and their parents – all have displayed their messages of love in a Woodford Green shop to help a children’s hospice.

The window of Care Optics in The Broadway has exploded with notes of romance and goodwill ahead of Valentine’s Day to benefit Haven House Children’s Hospice.

Customers have paid £1 to leave their loved one a token of affection such as “love you forever” and “glad you’re mine”.

Optical assistant Tracey Hounslow, got the idea when she saw the hospice, in High Road, Woodford Green, feature in ITV’s Text Santa appeal with her granddaughter and step-daughter.

Tracey, who created the display, said: “They got really choked up and said we should give them some money.

“I thought Valentines Day was a very good reason to get people to donate to a very good cause.”

Children have left messages for their parents and even their pet dogs.

And before singletons despair, a quote from Buddha may provide some solace.

Included by Tracey, it reads: “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Mike Palfreman, the hospice’s chief executive, said: ‘We are very lucky to have such strong support form our business community.”