POLITICALLY inactive shoppers have declared they would rather lose their right to vote than their right to shop.

Sixty five per cent of people questioned in shopping centres across the south east said they would give up their vote when faced with the question:

"The general election is nearly upon us. If you had to give up your vote or recreational shopping, which would you give up first?"

The news came as retailers in The Chilterns Shopping Centre, High Wycombe, report some quirky spending patterns.

An employee of Tie Rack in the centre said: "Sales of red ties are particularly strong at the moment although our blue and yellow lines are clearly struggling.

As interest in the general election increases in High Wycombe, the Chilterns is keen to prove that it caters for every political persuasion.

Paul King, manager of Box Clever, said: "Sales of widescreen televisions have jumped in the build up to the big day.

"Whether this proves that shoppers are tuning in or out of the election coverage is not clear.

"Either way, whether you are on the far left or right, we have the product for you."