A super-sized six-foot version of the classic love heart sweet was hand delivered to destinations across the South West and Wales on Valentine’s Day by Great Western Railway.
The sweets, which are famed for love messages, contained references in each of the locations stopped. Bristol’s referred to the SS Great Britain’s place in history, as the message read “steamy” referring to the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic.
The tasty tokens of love were accompanied by a mysterious letter. Addressed “To the South West on Valentine’s Day” the accompanying letter declares love for the region's stunning landscapes and the valuable social and economic role the tourism industry plays.
It read: “We just can’t keep it in any longer,” it gushed. “We love you. Truly, madly, deeply… How could we not? You are breathtakingly beautiful. Your rolling hills, golden beaches, wild moors, and ancient towns and cities stir hearts and minds.
"It’s not just your beauty that has us smitten – it’s what you do. You are the beating heart of tourism and leisure, where visitors come to escape and explore the extraordinary. You create jobs, fuel local businesses and unite communities – you make this region irresistible."
Great Western Railway Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda Burns, said: “We know just how much work and effort is put in by our tourism partners that we wanted to share our love for them and reaffirm our promise to keep connecting people to their wonders. Let’s celebrate what makes this region extraordinary, and let’s ensure its future shines as brightly as its past.”
“Working with iconic sweet maker Swizzels for this grand gesture, GWR hopes to underscore its love for the region and the joy of connecting people to its treasures.”
The sweets also appeared at Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth, Cardiff Castle, and Oxford Castle & Prison.