MORRISONS supermarkets across Somerset are helping people celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unusual flower – the Rainbow Rose.

Part of Morrisons’ The Best range, the Rainbow Rose has been designed so that anyone can give it to anyone else and will be available at Morrisons stores - including in Taunton, Bridgwater and Wells - from tomorrow (February 11).

The rainbow is used worldwide to symbolise Pride in the LGBTQ+ community and the supermarket giant has partnered with LGBTQ+ youth homeless charity The Albert Kennedy Trust to launch the rose.

A total of 50p per rose sold will be donated to the charity, which provides safe homes and support to young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bi or trans.

Developed by Morrisons florists, the roses have been dyed so that each petal displays the colours of the rainbow. To do this, florists cut the rose stems and dip each part into a different coloured water - which are absorbed by the flower to turn each petal into a different vibrant colour - including blue, yellow, green, violet and pink.

Somerset County Gazette:

John Kervell, store manager at Morrisons in Taunton, said: “We’re stocking rainbow roses this Valentine’s day for the first time. They’ve been designed to celebrate love.”

Carrie Reiners, director of fundraising from The Albert Kennedy charity says: “We’re delighted to partner with Morrisons on their Rainbow Rose campaign for Valentine’s Day.

"As the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, we are always looking to raise awareness and raise vital funds to support the work we do to provide safe homes and support to young people who face homelessness - just for being brave enough to come out to their families and communities.”

Morrisons will also be selling red roses for £2 for one and £5 for a dozen.