It's the thought that counts, love

Let's face it, few of us actually lie back and think of England when we're having sex - or do we? Whatever our minds are on, it is unlikely to be our partners.

Whether because of work pressures, money worries or family commitments, six out of ten people let their mind wander during the act, a survey has found.

Somewhat unsettlingly, more than a third said they thought about household chores. The top distraction for men was sports results, with one in four admitting scores took their minds off, well, scoring. On that topic, one in five dreamed of playing for their favourite football team.

For women, having sex was most likely to catch them in the act of thinking about unpaid bills, while shopping and past lovers were also high on the agenda.

The survey, by beer giant Boddingtons, was carried out to coincide with its latest advertising campaign. It shows a woman kissing an ugly man, but dreaming she is drinking a pint.

A Boddingtons spokesman said: 'We all know our minds wander when engaged in passionate clinches but we didn't realise the extent.

'It seems the old cliche "Lie back and think of England" is alive and well in the British bedroom.'