Men are spending £1,326 a year on items for their loved ones, it has been revealed.

However, according to research by price comparison site Moneysupermarket.com, women are spending a more moderate £659 on anniversary gifts, eating out, flowers and special holidays every year.

London men were found to be even more generous with their cash, forking out £2,458 a year on their lucky ladies, compared to the £1,015 spent by their female counterparts.

Traditionally, the leap year is the one time that women can propose to men and Richard Mason, director of the site, commented: "With men showing so much generosity on the whole, perhaps a few females will repay that attention on February 29th with a proposal of their own and a gleaming gold band."

Men who choose to get married on a leap year may be making a wise financial decision as an anniversary will only come round every four years.

Perhaps they will save a few pennies on anniversary gifts!