Figures from Homebase have revealed a trend in toilet seat sales in the lead up to Christmas.
They show that sales across the nation in the festive period have surged by over a quarter for the last two years. The company said this is due to home owners replacing old loo seats with newer, luxury models to provide Christmas visitors with "the best seat in the house".

Sales of new loo seats leapt by an incredible 25% in the run up to the big day and demand is highest in Oxford, Chelmsford and Norwich, while those in Cardiff, Liverpool and Glasgow do not replace them.

Said Homebase buying manager Paul Housego: "Just as the Queen is preparing her Christmas speech, thousands of her subjects are also hard at work, making their own throne fit for Royalty."

The company reported of a marked return to traditional wooded loo seats, with oak, beech and walnut the most popular choices. 'Soft close' seats have also been selling well.

Pressures on the hinges and the loo seat itself can lead to snapped fittings and material fractures on cheaper models, Homebase said.

"Good quality loo seats are a feat of engineering and a great investment. They provide security and rigid protection when you are at your most vulnerable. No one wants to be let down by their loo seat, especially in the run up to Christmas," said Mr Housego.