An age-old debate into whether you put jam or cream on a scone first appears to be over.

Charity Marie Curie revealed that the majority of the UK (73 per cent) believe it should be jam first, then cream.

The figures for the South West were 69 per cent in favour of jam first, the Cornish way.

Furthermore, the charity also revealed the publics opinion on the pronunciation of scone, with 58 per cent of people in the South West thinking it should rhyme with stone.

The charity carried out the survey in line with the launch of its Blooming Great Tea Party fundraiser.

Mel Giedroyc, Great British Bake-off host who is fronting the campaign, said: “I have a branch of the family which is Devonian and they're close to me so I'll have to go the Devonian way, jam then cream – no wait!

“I’ve been throwing tea parties for Marie Curie now for seven years. I love it.

Some years are bigger than others but no matter how you do it, it’s a fun way to raise some vital funds for people with terminal illnesses.

And when it comes to whether you bake your own or fake it, well friends, let's all fake it. You've got to slip some faked baked items under the radar along with some cracking homemade ones. Keep people guessing. Mix up the fake with the real.”

The survey also questioned whether people attempt to pass off bought cakes as their own homemade ones.

The results for the south west say that 38 per cent of people have done this, although this is lower than the national average of 42 per cent.

Claire Richards, from Steps, who is supporting Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party says: “The people in Cornwall can rejoice at this result.

“The nation has spoken and, sorry Devon, it’s jam first, and I agree 100%! My favourite cake is apple cake all the way, but I could never say no to a Chelsea bun.”

The study found that the south west’s preferred choice of cake is the Bakewell tart.

Claire continued: “But whether you prefer a Parkin or go barmy for a Bakewell, throwing a tea party is a fun and easy way to catch up with your pals and if you collect some donations for Marie Curie while you do it then that’s wonderful thing.

“So, it doesn’t matter whether it’s cream or jam, or sweet or savoury, do something great this summer and raise some money for Marie Curie.”

The fundraising campaign appeals for people to throw a tea party, cake sale or coffee morning and raise money to support people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones, with Marie Curie offering tips and kits on their website.