Brits 'would have broadband before fruit and veg'

Britons would sooner give up eating healthily than lose their broadband connection, new research has shown.

A survey conducted by BT found that broadband topped the list of things people would refuse to give up even as they found their budget constricting.

Some 57 per cent cited their internet connection, with 43 per cent saying they couldn't go without fresh fruit and vegetables.

Alcohol and new clothes came far lower with 17 and 13 per cent respectively.

TV host and personal finance expert Alvin Hall claimed that the figures were not as "absurd" as they may seem.

"Clearly fresh fruit and vegetables should be top of everyone's must have list, but staying connected offers a vital lifeline in this 24/7 society we all now live in," he said.

"Broadband offers access to myriad ways of saving money - searching for the cheapest deal, selling unwanted goods on online auctions, downloading discount vouchers, entering competitions and even taking part in surveys like this one in return for cash."

Virgin recently launched the UK's fastest broadband service, capable of speeds of up to 50Mbps.