Are women now spending more than men online?

According to a new survey, UK women are now spending more money online than men for the first ever time.

Although surfing the net has long been seen as a man-thing, the study found the amount spent online by a typical woman rose 71.4% in 2003.

Among online shoppers of both sexes, the over-55s were the biggest spenders according to the report.

Silver surfers

But back in the gender divide, the average bill for a female internet shopper is now �495, compared to �470 for their male counterparts.

"Though surfing the net has long been seen as a male-orientated activity, this is no longer the case for e-retail, and women's inclination to shop has become the main driver of online sales growth," said analyst group Verdict, the author of the report.

The average over 55-year-old who shopped via a website last year bought more than �527 worth of goods and services - more than any other age group.

"They have a disposable income and are able to accept deliveries during the day," said the report.

"Many more affluent pensioners have adopted the internet as a hobby and enjoy surfing the net for cheap prices and good deals."