WHETHER tulips or lilies, hydrangeas or orchids, fresh florals and beautiful buds can help lift the spirits when times are particularly tough.

That is why Aly Leah, from Guildhall Flowers in Exeter's Guildhall Shopping Centre, is offering a bouquet a month to carers.

She decided to back the campaign after reading what the Echo is fighting for.

And after she saw how carers could also be given special treats, such as meals out and massages, she decided to throw her full weight behind the campaign and offer something that could bring a smile at home.

Aly, 42, said: "I am fully supporting the Echo's We Care campaign, as I used to be a carer.

"My 80-year-old father lost his leg about eight years ago and also suffers with arthritis. My mother is also registered as disabled.

"For two years I cared for them 24 hours a day. I used to do everything from their shopping, cleaning and ironing to making sure they were fed.

"My children would also help out, going before and after school.

"I really feel for carers, it's a very demanding role and they don't get any thanks for it."

She added she realised how stressful caring could be and acknowledged how it could also take a toll on health.

But she suggested that walking in to see a fresh bunch of flowers and smell their beautiful scent might be able to help ease some of that tension.

"The stress of looking after your elderly parents is untold, especially when you are a single parent and have to earn a living to provide support to your children," she said.

"You get extremely tired, so tired to the point that you could just cry. By offering a bouquet of flowers every month to a carer, I hope to bring a smile to their face and show that what they do is appreciated.

"I try to do something a little different with my flowers, they are all fresh and seasonal. I try to help customers pick out a unique bouquet."

Anybody who would like to give their carer a special bunch of flowers should write to Nadia Stone at the Express & Echo with their contact details and the details of their carer.

Other treats are also up for grabs, including meals, theatre trips, cinema trips, haircuts and massages.

Any companies wanting to back the campaign by offering a treat can also contact Nadia at the Echo.