UK shoppers will splash out to banish winter blues

Britons will try to beat the winter blues by spending an average£875 each on pampering themselves during the season, says American Express Establishment Services.

According to its research, consumers plan to cheer themselves up by splashing out on luxuries to the tune of£41 billion for the UK overall.

Food and alcohol will feature heavily in spending - shoppers intend to spend an average of£273 on food and drink. Home entertainment is expected to account for an average£82 per person.

Women are expected to spend an average£178 each on new clothes.