WELCOME to Worcester, the UK's politest city when it comes to inviting guests into the home, according to a new survey.

Traditionally known as the Faithful City, the new figures, released by doormat company Turtle Mat, show the city is also a very polite place to live.

The study reveals residents were the most willing in the country to put their own high domestic standards on hold to accommodate their guests.

And many people living in Worcester agree with the findings.

James Staunton, aged 53, of St John's, said he had lived in the city for about 25 years.

"I do think Worcester is quite a polite place," he said. "I used to be in sales so I have travelled quite a lot and most people here are pretty welcoming.

"They offer you a cup of tea or a drink."

Brian Poyner, who lives in Worcester City Centre, said his wife was the reason his home was welcoming. "When family come and visit, my wife's family come from all over the country, they find it a very welcoming experience," said the 53-year-old.

The study, by Turtle Mat, primarily examined nationwide attitudes to cleanliness, judged on the number of people who take their shoes off when in their own home and ask guests to do the same.

And in a quintessentially British trait the majority of people always take their shoes off when in their own homes, but a lot are too polite to ask guests to do the same.

This trend was true for Worcester with 85 percent of people saying they always remove their shoes in their own home but almost two thirds would not ask guests to follow suit.

The city was also named as the 16th most house proud place in the UK as part of the findings.

Twenty-eight year old Leanne Jinks, of St John's, said: "I find people here are very welcoming. I am quite house proud, but I think it depends what part of the city you are in. I find my family very house proud."

And Judith, aged 68, and Michael Wood, aged 72, said they enjoyed making people welcome in their home. "We are definitely welcoming to our guests," they said. "We are house proud, I think people in Worcester are particular about things."

There are many ways to make people feel welcome and Worcestershire butler Mirek Krawczyk, who works at House Butler at Foxhill Manor, near Broadway, has offered his tips.

He said: "I feel when welcoming people into your home it is about creating the right ambiance before they arrive. For instance music, seasonal food and nibbles and those extra touches such as cushions.

"It’s all about getting the right balance, being organised and calm will make people feel comfortable and at ease.

"Being over house proud can make people feel uncomfortable. Personally, I take great pride in looking after my home, keeping it tidy and clean but not forgetting to retain a homely feel."