“The price of love in Romford this Valentine’s is 99p.” That’s the message from one discount store.

Maria Noble, senior buyer at 99p Stores, is referring to a new French-style perfume bottle that has hit shelves just in time for Valentine’s night.

Ja Taime won’t fool any native speakers – “je t’aime” is, of course, the correct French for “I love you” – but that hasn’t deterred shoppers.

“These perfumes have been flying off shelves in Romford,” Maria added. “Our perfume is the ultimate ‘99p secret’ for women to tempt their men.

“We are aiming this mainly at women to buy for themselves – as well as men giving them as love gifts.

“It looks like a £99 bottle – and certainly smells like one.”

Boxes of red “petals” and smart-looking champagne flutes are among the other romantic products available at the shop, which is in Market Place, with another branch in The Brewery.