THE people of Worcester's Christmas cards habits have been revealed, with more than 20 percent admitting they send cards to friends' pets.

Complied by Hallmark Cards, the survey revealed 39 percent of people have a secret stash of cards, while 13 percent lie about not having written their cards when they have, but the person asking is not on their list.

Worcester's surveyed population is split 50-50 when it comes to sending cards to colleagues, but 21 percent include friends and colleagues' pets when writing cards.

Neighbours are most likely to be forgotten about when it comes to sending out Christmas cards, but 86% of Worcester people send cards out to keep the tradition alive.

Tamsyn Johnston-Hughes, communications manager at Hallmark Cards, said: "We want to encourage people to share a simple Merry Christmas with friends, family and colleagues this year."

A quarter of Worcester feels no seasonal shame in not returning the gesture of a card.

5 percent say Christmas is about giving not receiving, 4 percent will say thank you and then change the subject without returning your card and 4 percent will blame the postman for non-delivery.

Hallmark has created A verse to help rehearse your etiquette, to help avoiding a Christmas mishap this this year.

Visit hallmark.co.uk/christmas-card-etiquette for further information