IN an attempt to beat the January blues, staff at Specsavers in Warminster handed out roses as an act of kindness to brighten customers' days.

On Monday, known as blue Monday, as it is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year, the team at the store gave each lady customer a rose, and each man a chocolate rose.

Store director, Richard Goring, says: "It may have only been a small and simple gesture, but we just wanted to do something to make people smile and spread that New Year cheer in the community.

‘"The start of the year can be difficult for a lot of people, so we hope the roses cheered everyone up and helped ditch the infamous January blues."

Blue Monday is considered the most depressing day of the year as a result of several factors. Many people feel down in January after spending too much over the festive period and returning to work.

It is hoped this gesture brought some colour to a dull day.