Not tonight darling ... I've got a recession

The recession is bringing back a more clichéd Valentine's Day with men splashing out on their partners, but the fairer sex cutting back on their spend.

Twenty-two per cent of women will be spending less on their Valentine this year - double the number who will be increasing their outlay, according to the poll commissioned by price comparison site moneysupermarket.com.

Men though still see Valentine's Day as a perfect investment opportunity with 20 per cent showering more on their loved ones than last year - and only 16 per cent holding something back.

Clare Francis, site editor at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It's nice to see Miss and Mrs Valentine still doing really well despite the recession.

"Saint Valentine clearly still has his work cut out though with a big spend required on February 14."

While women will predominantly rely on dinner or chocolates to impress their man, at 19 and 13 per cent respectively, males are set to spend most of their lucre on flowers or dinner.

The average spend per male is set to come in at £48 each, while women will outlay a more modest £22.