British scientists have discovered that, contrary to popular belief, mice don't like cheese.

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University found that the furry rodents actually prefer foods with a high sugar content, such as grains and fruit.

The study involved putting various foods into a mousetrap to see which ones would attract the mice.

Animal behaviourist, David Holmes, said: "Mice respond to the smell, texture and taste of food and cheese is something that would not be available to them in their natural environment and therefore they would not respond to it."