A museum in York believes it has unearthed the worst Valentine’s Day card in history.

York Castle Museum has discovered a 100-year-old Victorian example featuring real facial hair stuck on the design to resemble a moustache.

The card also features the message: “For The New Woman! With St Valentine’s Heartiest Greetings and Best Hopes that she will receive another (moustache) – With A Man Attached.”

The card has gone on display at the museum as part of its celebration of the most romantic day of the year.

Collections facilitator Faye Prior said: “The card has certainly amused everyone at the Castle Museum – even if it is a bit insulting nowadays. I certainly wouldn’t want to be the receiver of this card.

“The Victorians were not the prim and proper lot they are often made out to be – they loved the curious and bizarre as much as we do today. It just wasn’t shown in public as much. But even for them this card is remarkable. Whoever thought it was a wise idea to send a card with real moustache hair?”

The museum said that the card dates back to about 1900 and was printed and copyrighted to Angus Thomas, London.

The card will be on display along with other Valentine’s cards from its collection, including the oldest-known example, which dates to 1797, until Monday.

The museum is also inviting people to tweet them on @YorkCastle and visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/yorkcastlemuseum to share the worst Valentine’s cards and presents they have ever received.

York Castle Museum is inviting the public to use Twitter and Facebook to share their thoughts on the card and their own worst Valentine’s cards and presents.

Meanwhile, a tale of uncertainty, romance and brass comes to York Theatre Royal for Valentine’s Day.

Brassed Off follows band leader Danny, played by Liverpool-born actor John McArdle, and his struggles with redundancy, picket lines and his dream to win the national brass band competition.

The arrival of flugelhorn-playing Gloria (Clara Darcy) brings hope, romance and controversy to a Yorkshire brass band on the brink of collapse.

The performance runs from today to Saturday, March 1, and York Theatre Royal is also hosting a Valentine’s Day dance in the De Grey Rooms Ballroom, from 8pm.