A FERRARI, a slick city suit, or a muscular body might impress some women, but they don't cut much ice in Warrington, according to a recent survey.

Here, women like men who wear casual shirts and jeans, work hard, and don't show off!

Also on the list of credits, according to a National Opinion Poll, are chaps who know what they believe in, have lean physiques, four-wheel-drive vehicles, well-groomed hair, rugged features and drink lager or beer.

Warrington women don't go for men who drink cocktails. Only 16 per cent want a man with long hair. Boyish features don't impress, nor do track suits. There is also a definite lack of interest in trendy media, creative types. All brawn and no brain varieties aren't popular either.

So what women want?

The WARRINGTON GUARDIAN asked some of them to give their versions of their ideal men.

A great personality, a sense of humour, honesty and loyalty are what sales assistant Kim Forde looks for in a man.

Kim, who works at the Body Shop, Golden Square, said: "I like a man who I find attractive, but he doesn't have to be gorgeous. Clothes are important. I like a smart suit on some occasions, otherwise, jeans and a nice shirt. I like a man to be hard working, and to have a car, but I don't care what sort it is."

Michelle Butterworth, who has a hairdresser's shop in Bold Street, said :"I am rubbish at picking men. I go for the tall, dark and handsome type. They have to have a good sense of humour, and their own DIY tools. They're not borrowing mine!"

Model Lynsey Davenport, of Orford, likes men who are good looking, and, she said, a sense of humour is a must.

"I like men who work hard, but I also like them to enjoy what they are doing," said Lynsey. She has a preference for chaps who like a good time, are athletic, and enjoy sports.

Joanne Warman, 19, an assistant chef, of Lymm, likes men with blue eyes, floppy hair, a nice body with not too much muscle, or too much flab. " I like a happy person who gets on with everybody, and isn't big headed," said Joanne.

She has a preference for the smart casual look. Joanne doesn't care what job her ideal man does, but she'd like him to drive a Mini or a motor bike.

Jo Cross, a partner at the Image Clinic, Warrington, said her ideal man is: caring, sensitive, hard-working, family-orientated, solvent, attractive, successful and considerate. "If you find one, let me know," said Jo.

Emma Jones, 19, of Grappenhall, a biochemistry student at St Andrew's University, said: "I like somebody who can appreciate my sense of humour and who isn't off down the pub with his mates at every available opportunity. Equally, I want somebody who is willing to have a good time, and make a fool of himself. I am not looking for somebody who believes totally in women's independence. I want treats occasionally."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.