More than a quarter of British holidaymakers have had sex on the beach, according to a new survey by Direct Holiday Bookings.

The shock statistic comes just days before Brits Vince Acors and Michelle Palmer go on trial in Dubai for having sex on a public beach. If found guilty, the pair could face up to six years imprisonment.

But while the story has hit headlines around the world, a new survey by DirectHolidayBookings.co.uk suggests that the incident is perhaps far from unusual.

Of the 1,000 people questioned by the online holiday homes booking site, 26 per cent admitted to getting amorous by the sea whilst on holiday in the past.

That figure rose to more than a third, 36 per cent, amongst under 30s. However, holiday romance is clearly not just for the young, as one in five, 19 per cent of over 40s have also had sex on the beach. Just five per cent also admitted to being left red-faced after being caught in the act.

But almost 90 per cent said the Dubai case would make them think twice before doing so in future.

Andrew Gibson, director of DirectHolidayBookings.com, said: "The Dubai case has attracted worldwide media attention, but this survey goes to show that the practice is far from unusual.

"People tend to be far more relaxed whilst on holiday and perhaps do things that they would never consider at home.

"The consequences of having sex on a public beach are obviously far more serious somewhere like Dubai than they would be in a European country, if you can't resist alfresco whilst on holiday, then perhaps renting a private holiday home is the best way to avoid getting caught."

DirectHolidayBookings.com is Europe's leading holiday home rentals website, with more than 10,000 apartments, cottages and villas worldwide. For more information visit www.directholidaybookings.com