A TOWN centre wine bar is giving Valentine lovers the brush off by declaring its premises a "couple-free zone" on Wednesday night (Feb 14).

Staff at Yates's Wine Lodge in Bury hope to capitalise on Valentine's night by catering exclusively for singles anxious to avoid seasonal sentimentality.

Cuddling couples, serenading musicians and DJs playing soppy ballads will be barred for the night in favour of an atmosphere to suit singles seeking fun with friends.

In keeping with the spirit of things, there will be a free drink for new divorcees who bringing along a copy of their decree absolute.

Yates's retail sales director Nigel Wright said: "Valentine's Day is very nice if you're a couple and in love, but it can be a nightmare for people who are single.

"We realised that there are very few places for single people to go, where they won't be confronted with mushy, romantic nonsense, so we decided to make our bars romance-free havens."

A light-hearted piece of Valentine fun can be shared over a pint by couples at nearby Irish pub O'Neill's, on Silver Street.

Bar staff hope that frothy Valentine's messages drawn onto the creamy head of a pint of stout will prove to be a crowd-puller.