LIONHEART Lofty proved he had a heart of gold as he made Valentine's Day extra special for Bolton shoppers.

The Bolton Wanderers club mascot delighted passers-by in the Market Place shopping centre by handing out chocolates to make sure everyone enjoyed a taste of romance on the traditional day for lovers.

But Lofty is certain to hide his soft centre from today as he gets ready for the Whites' tough FA Cup match against local rivals Blackburn on Saturday.

Bolton's larger than life lion is sure to be leading the Reebok roar as Sam Allardyce's team bid to reach the quarter-finals of the famous cup competition.