Far from surviving on a diet of junk food and microwave dinners, Britain's families are treated to home cooked fare nearly every day.

More than three quarters of women in full time jobs still cook dinner between five and seven times a week.

Convenience food like beans - off the menu?

And housewives who devote their lives to their husbands are only marginally more likely to cook.

The study shatters the popular myth that working mums are responsible for the decline of the family meal.

A total of 84% out of the 330,000 people questioned across the UK were women. Three quarters of them were married.

Despite the radical changes seen in the role of women, 86% are still responsible for cooking a home made family meal.

Shepherd's pie is the most frequent dish (68 times a year), followed by spaghetti bolognaise and casseroles (67 times a year).

Lasagnes, curries, roast dinners and barbecues are also hot favourites on Britain's dinner tables.

The survey by advertising agency LVB DraftWorldwide found five or more home made meals are cooked each week in 77% of households where both partners work full time.

The figure rises to 85% where one or both partners are in part-time employment.

If neither partner works 95% have home made meals at least five times a week.

Superwomen juggling responsibilities

LVB DraftWorldwide managing director Chris Lovell said he was surprised by the findings which had strong implications for food retailers and manufacturers.

"This research clearly shows the predicted demise of the great British family mealtime has not happened.

Contrary to popular myth Brits do not live on chips

"Working women are juggling responsibilities and still finding time in the day to cook real food for their families.

"Assumptions cannot be made that a busy schedule always means a dash towards the frozen food cabinet - for many fresh food is still first choice."

But Pat Zadora, president of Business and Professional Women UK, said: "I hope it is not suggesting that we are returning to the days where women were all slaves in the kitchen."

Tina Knight, chairwoman of Women in Business, was also surprised women still did most of the home cooking.

She added: "I think it's stupid of women to try and do everything, I wouldn't do it. I am doing a full day's work and I'm tired when I come in.

"The men in my life always do the cooking, I think they do it better anyway.''

The survey also showed families are snubbing the microwave with 34% of respondents saying they never use one. Only 3% rely on it every day.