EVERY year in Wales love is in the air as Santes Dwynwen is celebrated, the Welsh Saint of Love.

On January 25, there will be an evening of fine food and opera at Giovanni’s on Park Place, Cardiff to support the work of George Thomas Hospice Care.

The hospice is a major provider of specialist palliative care to those suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

The story surrounding the celebration is that in the 5th century Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill.

Maelon returned her feelings but for an undetermined reason, they could not be together.

Dwynwen, distraught by her love for Maelon, prays to fall out of love with him.

Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen.

First she wished that Maelon be thawed, second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and third that she should never marry.

All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.

Following a sparkling reception at 7pm, guests will be treated to a delicious three course meal with coffee and then serenaded by stars of Welsh opera as they sing romantic West End hits and light opera.

Always a very enjoyable evening, it not only suits couples, but larger groups too.

Tickets are £28 each and are available from George Thomas Hospice Care on 029 2052 4150. Visit gthc.org.uk for further information.

The hospice is presently caring for several hundred patients and their families and takes on over 13 new patients every week. Since its establishment in 1984 George Thomas Hospice Care has supported over 24,000 patients.