The company behind Lovehearts, which have borne affectionate messages for half a century, are looking for some new ideas.

To celebrate the fizzy sweet's 50th anniversary, Swizzel-Matlow Ltd are holding a competition to find new slogans.

The winners will have their favourite phrase placed alongside classics such as "Be Mine" and "Miss You".

"We even make a special Loveheart, available direct from the company, which says "Marry Me" Andrew Matlow, Director

The firm's director, Andrew Matlow, said: "It's us giving the buying public and the more romantic children a chance to give us a hand.

"We have been making these since the 1950s so we want to bring them up to date and we want to know what the kids are saying to each other these days."

Because of the sweet's limited size any phrase has to conform to strict guidelines.

It must be no longer than two lines with a limit of seven characters in each line.

Mr Matlow said the power of Lovehearts had gone beyond the playground.

"We have an incredible number of examples where they played a big part in romances," he said.

"We even make a special Loveheart, available direct from the company, which says 'Marry Me'.

"We have people ring us up asking for customised sweets."

The company will be taking suggestions until February 2003.