NEARLY half of all workers in the region celebrate pay day with a spending spree, according to a new survey.

About 41 per cent of the workforce in the North take a trip along the High Street the day they get paid, spending more than £188m on feel-good items.

About half of those questioned said they are happier on pay day - mostly because they can check their bank accounts without worrying.

The survey was carried out by researchers BMRB for the Alliance & Leicester.