TRADESPEOPLE in the North West are challenging stereotypes, as a new survey shows skilled labourers enjoy literature, keeping fit and getting their five-a-day.

But the findings - based on research conducted by online booking service Local Heroes - suggest they still enjoy copious amounts of tea and biscuits, and the odd bacon sandwich.

Almost half of tradespeople in the North West said that the most common misconception about them is that they are unreliable, whereas two fifths said people thought they were sexist.

Despite this, the vast majority (94%) of tradespeople in the region said they were happy in their career.

Challenging the misconception that tradespeople lead an unhealthy lifestyle, more than two thirds said they visit the gym at least once a week and over a third (37%) eat more than their five-a-day most days.

Furthermore, the notion that tradespeople regularly eat bacon sandwiches, fry-ups and pies is questionable – respondents in the North West most commonly said they ate these food items just once a week.

When it comes to refreshments, local tradespeople are no strangers to a hot drink while on the job. On average, labourers in the North West drink 15 cups of tea and 13 cups of coffee each week. Both are accompanied by 10 chocolate biscuits, with Digestives being the biscuit of choice.

The stereotype of tradespeople discussing only sports, cars and sex is also shown to be unfounded - the survey shows that tradespeople in the North West engage in political discussions on average six times a week, and also read a book as often as eight times a week.

Mat Moakes, Director of Local Heroes, commented on the survey: “The findings may be surprising to some, but we know from the interaction we have with the 1,900 independent tradespeople in our network that this is the true picture.

It confirms our view that tradespeople in North West love their jobs, work hard and look after their health."

The average the North West tradesperson in weekly figures:

Eats 10 Digestive biscuits

Drinks 15 cups of tea

Drinks 13 coffees

Has 6 political debates

Drives 80 miles

Sings along to 12 songs

Reads a book 8 times

Almost three quarters clean their vehicles

Sends 17 texts to the other half

Spends 7 hours on social media

94 per cent are happy in their career

87 percent said they would choose the same career if they had their time again

Spends 4 hours in the pub

Drinks 9 pints