JUST what is wrong with British boys?

That's the question on people's lips, after the daughter of the United States' Ambassador, Mary-Catherine Lader, commented that "American boys are better than British ones"

According to the 15-year-old, who has lived in Britain for the past three years, British boys have a lack of appealing social skills, a poor dress sense and wear trousers that are too tight.

She also adds, among other things, that they are, "scrawny, pale and unhealthy looking".

So, Citizen reporter Julia Keyton took to the streets of Chorley with photographer John Ellis, so see if the public agreed or disagreed.

Jean Mather, 62, is from Chorley and is not too happy about Mary-Catherine's comments: "I have four sons and I wouldn't like anyone saying that about them.

"English boys get a bad name, and it's a shame. You get good and bad in every country.

"She's not being fair. What does she know about it?"

Susan Morris, 31, from Coppull, was out shopping with her two boys when we found her.

She said: "I've never been to America, so I don't know. She's at a girl school so she'll only see one side. I think that she should keep her mouth shut."

Local lad, 17-year-old Christian Seanor isn't that bothered: "I think it might be true in some areas -- it's probably true.

"But I don't know what American lads are like compared to us."

Helen Gibbons, 18, from Charnock Richard, doesn't have much to say about the matter, "Sounds about right," she said.

However, her friend, 18-year-old Bethan Jones, also from Charnock Richard, is less sure: "I don't know, some English lads are alright. And some American lads can be bad. They're either fat blobs, or interested in American football."