Middle East visitors are some of the biggest shoppers during trips to the UK but the Chinese appear more choosy, according to a survey.

The poll showed that tourists from countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar are at, or near, the top of nationality tables for the most purchases of a variety of items such as clothes, shoes and toiletries.

But the Chinese seem to shun shops - failing to make it in to the most of the top positions in the tables published by the VisitBritain organisation from Office for National Statistics data.

The French are among the overseas tourists most likely to buy food and drink but on average spend only £343 at UK outlets. This compares with Kuwaiti visitors who spend as much as £4,000, with those from Qatar spending £3,000.

Unsurprisingly, most purchases are made in London, but Scotland is particularly popular for food and drink spending, while south west England sees a lot of book sales.

The figures also showed:

:: Holiday visitors to the UK are most likely to buy clothes or shoes (54%), followed by food or drink (30%);

:: Although a high-value sector, business visitors do not shop much when in Britain with 68% making no purchases at all;

:: Those visiting friends and relatives primarily shop for clothes (62%), shoes and food or drink.

:: Visitors by air are more likely than others to buy clothes and shoes (43%), whereas visitors by sea are highly likely to report buying food or drink and holiday souvenirs;

:: Kuwaiti visitors have the highest propensity to buy clothes or shoes (79%), with high-spending Nigerians in second place (72%) followed by Saudi Arabians (71%);

:: Malaysians are most likely to buy books or stationery, Nigerians go for computer games, Qataris buy toys, the Belgians are most keen to buy food and drink and Mexicans snap up souvenirs.

VisitBritain strategy director Patricia Yates said: "Britain offers a great shopping experience. We have wonderful shops whatever the price range, a unique sense of style and authentic British brands."