Valentine's Day 2010 saw a greater amount of money being put towards online purchases than in the previous year.

According to analysts Coremetrics, 65 per cent more was spent this year than in 2009.

Online purchases averaged £150.15 in the fortnight between the start of the month and the 14th, in contrast to the figure of £90.73 spent during the same period last year.

131 websites based in the UK were assessed by Coremetrics at this time, with clients La Senza, Interflora and Figleaves.com seeing their sales boosted.

Richard Sheppard, of Coremetrics said that the findings should bring assurances to the retail sector and a sign to retailers that they should redouble their efforts, in attracting new customers.