WORCESTER has come out top of the socks (and vests and pants) in a personal hygiene survey.

The findings by luxury toilet brand Geberit AquaClean show that 90 per cent of people in the city believe personal hygiene is very important, the highest level in the UK. Worcester's rating was well above the national average of 74 per cent, with the lowest being Portsmouth at 61 per cent. Also, 10 per cent of Brits admitted to not changing their underwear every day.

The survey revealed major differences in personal hygiene routines in the winter compared to summer, with a third of people halving the amount of time they spend in the bathroom during the colder weather from 30 minutes to just 15.

Raffaela De Vittorio, marketing director for Geberit AquaClean, said: "During the winter months many of us would rather grab some extra time under a warm duvet than in the bathroom, which is where the latest shower toilet technology really comes into its own. Gently cleaning you with warm water after each use, the Geberit AquaClean ensures healthy personal hygiene levels are maintained whatever the weather."

The average monthly spend on personal hygiene products in the UK is £29.57, but 18 per cent of those surveyed reduce their spending during the winter. Part of the reason for this seasonal difference is that people get less hot and sweaty during the winter months (57 per cent cited this), but many admit that it's simply too cold to shower so frequently in winter. In fact , 34 per cent of admitted to bathing or showering less frequently in the winter, with a quarter of adults preferring to spend more time in bed as the cold dark mornings leave them feeling more tired.