A study by Halifax has shown that more people are getting stuck into DIY projects at home, which could lead to increased numbers taking decorating courses.

The financial services provider found that 56 per cent of homeowners have carried out some form of improvement on their home, with 59 per cent doing so to make a property look better.

An increase in demand for decorating courses could be on the cards, since the most popular activity among respondents was putting up wallpaper or painting parts of the house.

Steven Noakes, commercial director at Lloyds Banking Group, of which Halifax is a part of, said: "Our research shows that more and more home owners are picking up their brushes and paint and using their creativity to improve their surroundings."

Last month, Halifax revealed that household wealth has increased by more than five times in the past 50 years, with the biggest rise occurring in the 1980s.

Want to know more about our Decorating Courses