THE streets of Paris, the canals of Venice - both are places traditionally enjoyed by dewy-eyed couples from across the world.

But now the truth is out - when it comes to regions for romance, Blackwood is right up there with the best of them.

The town's ladies are so keen on romantic fiction, a local charity shop can't keep up with the demand.

It says desire for Mills and Boon novels far outstrips supply - and are now appealing for bagfuls of the books to be brought in.

Gaynor Griffiths, manager of the Cancer Research UK shop in Blackwood High Street, says the shelf specially reserved for Mills and Boon is almost empty.

"They are our best selling books and we desperately need more," she said.

"Lots of our more mature women customers come in especially for these books and buy six or seven at a time.

"Sometimes, if they are going on holiday, they'll buy up to 20 of them! Some ladies come in two to three times a week to look for them.

"I've no idea how they remember which ones they have read."

Mrs Griffiths added that if customers found no Mills and Boons available, then they went away terribly disappointed.

"I think the appeal is that they are very easy reading and the books are small enough to slip in your handbag and carry around," she added.

"Now we want to ask them to get searching under their beds and find us some to sell!"

At £1 a book, they are a lucrative source of finance for the shop.

The shop is open between 9am and 5pm every day except Sunday and can be found at the junction of Blackwood High Street and Hall Street.