When I was a lad looking for a girlfriend, my mum always insisted that I polish my shoes, brush my hair and look smart.

This advice has served me well over the years, though nowadays ladies are attracted more by my heating allowance, discount restaurant offers and free bus travel.

What chance do lads these days stand?

They are invariably not athletic but mooch around in tracksuits 24/7, have anorak hoods up when the weather is warm, wear badly fitting jeans with boots, although they are not manual workers.

Students are extreme cases – either dressed like mail order catalogue models or refugees from Siberia.

I try to still take pride in my appearance – collar with a tie, grey flannel trousers, black shiny brogues and a navy blazer. Am I prejudiced or just out of touch?

Mike Roberts-Butler, Dolbery Road, Poole