Kate Moss and chavs top British-ness poll

Kate Moss has been hailed as one of the best representations of 21st century British life, but then again, so has chav culture.

A survey by Harper's Bazaar magazine found that the 33-year-old Croydon supermodel and the rise of the chav were the top examples of everything British in the noughties.

But on a positive note, the poll of 1,000 people found that the nation's multiculturalism has also made a big impact on our British-ness

The findings contrast respondents perceptions of "old Britain" which is epitomised in the nation's collective consciousness by a stiff upper lip, impeccable manners and wartime leader Winston Churchill.

One in three believes the Queen is the nation's greatest living icon and 76 per cent say fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood is the greatest English eccentric.

The research also found that mashed potato is the nation's favourite comfort food, while the countryside, the British sense of humour and a cup of tea is what Britons miss most when they travel abroad.

Asked what they would change if they could, 91 per cent of people selected the weather.

On a scale of one to ten, the British rate themselves eight for sexiness.

The Burberry trench coat is Britain's most iconic fashion item, while 54 per cent say Topshop is their favourite brand.

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