UK consumers will be doing their Christmas shopping online this year, according to research by online market research firm GMI.

Nearly two-thirds of consumers said that the internet will be their first destination for Christmas presents, followed by speciality department stores.

The UK appears keener to shop online than any other nation. Some 46 per cent of US consumers will be using the internet this Christmas, but the majority of shoppers in Denmark, Italy and Spain still prefer the high street.

The survey also showed that Britons will be shopping late this year; 48 per cent will start in December and two per cent on Christmas Eve.

Half of UK respondents believe that the promotion of Christmas merchandise in October is too early, suggesting a counterproductive move by retailers.

Dietmar Walter, European managing director at GMI, said: "Our poll confirms that online shopping for the Brits, like many other consumers in the world, has become a quicker and more convenient alternative to facing crowds on the high street at this busy time of year."