PEOPLE in Helensburgh were surprised - and delighted - to be handed beautiful bouquets of flowers as they walked through the town last week.

And the secret behind the kind-hearted gesture has now been revealed.

For a second year, Helensburgh Flowers in West Princes Street joined forces with other florists across the world to surprise unsuspecting bystanders with the bouquets - one to keep, and one to give to a friend, family member, colleague, or total stranger - on Wednesday, October 16.

Owner Denise Murphy was keen to put smiles on people's faces on Wednesday, October 16Owner Denise Murphy was keen to put smiles on people's faces on Wednesday, October 16 (Image: Helensburgh Flowers)

The random act of kindness initiative - called Petal It Forward - is designed by the Society of American Florists to help people start their day with more smiles and less tension and works in tandem with scientific research that shows living with flowers actively reduces stress.

The initiative was deliberately held on a Wednesday, with the aim of helping the mid-week slump.

This is the second year that the Helensburgh business has taken part in Petal It ForwardThis is the second year that the Helensburgh business has taken part in Petal It Forward (Image: Helensburgh Flowers) Denise Murphy of Helensburgh Flowers wanted to be a part of the mood-boosting effort and to make a difference in her local community.

She said: "Last year was so much fun and we showed our community the true power of flowers, and spreading smiles all over Helensburgh was fantastic.

“Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter, and provide a much-needed moment of calm amidst the hectic pace of life."

Passerbys in the town received two bouquet of gorgeous flowersPasserbys in the town received two bouquet of gorgeous flowers (Image: Helensburgh Flowers) Explaining the idea behind Petal It Forward, Denise says the original idea of 'keep one, share one', started in 2015, after statistics showed that while 80 per cent of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more said that giving flowers makes them happy.

“We want to give people the chance to experience both", she added.

“The happiness we spread in Helensburgh was an absolute joy. The tears and smiles have been really phenomenal and we’re so glad we got to experience it all. The power of flowers really is something very special.”

Petal It Forward was launched in the USA by the Society of American Florists, but this is the second time the campaign has been run in the UK.

It's being coordinated by Good Florist Guide – the only kitemark of quality for UK florists - of which Helensburgh Flowers is an approved member.