Baby jesus in mangerGenerous Britons are less likely to cut charitable donations than other areas of spending in tough economic times, according to new research.

In a study of more than 2,000 adults, more respondents expected to cut spending on takeaways, clothes, holidays and socialising.

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The survey, commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) which promotes charitable giving and provides financial services to not-for-profit organisations, showed 26% of alms givers will cut donations over the next year.

Pollsters found only 12% of donors were likely to increase giving.

Paul Rees, CAF executive director, said: "Even in tough times, people are extremely reluctant to cut the generous support they give to the causes we all care about.

"Britain is one of the most generous nations on earth, but it's still very worrying that so many people expect to reduce their donations in the next 12 months.

"If that happens, charities and the causes they support will suffer.

"It's never been more important for Government, businesses and individuals to Back Britain's Charities by giving regularly if they can and using the Gift Aid system to make every pound count for good causes."

Going out for a drink was most likely to be cut among pollsters (37%), followed by eating out or buying takeaways (36%) and holidays (32%)

Nearly one in three (31%) people expected to spend less on clothes, while 31% planned to save money on leisure activities such as going to the cinema, bingo or the theatre.