WOMEN in Wilmslow are classy and stylish. We have always known that but now television fashion gurus Trinny and Susannah have acknowledged it.

The popular TV presenters who have dressed the nation with hit programmes from What Not to Wear to Trinny and Susannah Undress have been singing the praises of northern women for making more effort than their southern cousins.

Fashionista Trinny Woodall said the region’s wags (wives and girlfriends of celebrities) were the "new aristocracy" influencing fashion.

She went on: "Women who live in the north of England make more of an effort, and wags seem to be more prominent up there."

Susannah Constantine, added that the wags, who live in and around Wilmslow, were trend setters with "aspirational but accessible" style. But she admitted some went overboard with fake tan.

And a quick survey on Water Lane, backed them up.

Caroline Greer, 25, owner of Caroline on Water Lane, said: "I agree with Trinny and Susannah.I just think people here are more style conscious. They’re aware of how they should dress, especially in the evening. Short dresses are very popular. I don’t think there are any more wags here but everybody does look nice, including them."

Georgia Walker, 21, who works at Caroline said: "Northern ladies make a big effort. They don’t shy away from showing off if they have had their hair done. I don’t see people in the south looking so done up. They all dress nicely but there is a lot more vintage and classic in the south. It’s more glamorous in the north."

Eileen Edwards, 50, who works at Caroline Castigliano wedding dress shop, said: "Watching the girls as they go out in the evening you can see how well groomed and glamorous they are. They wear nice little dresses that show off their figure and very high heels. When you see wags in the daytime they are dressed smart-casual but with so many eyes on them they make an effort - you often see Coleen Rooney rushing across the road. They used to be a bit orange but I think they are learning now. There has been so much bad publicity about St Tropez false tan now they have got the message."

Marcella Pabon gave up fashion and the LA lifestyle to be a mother. She said: "People are not scared to make an effort here. There is quite a lot of money and you can tell. Another area where they make an effort is Liverpool. They get dressed up just to go to the shops. There are quite a few footballers’ wives around here. But everybody makes an effort, not just them."

Hairdresser Amanda Hadcroft was visiting Wilmslow for her 42nd birthday.

She said: "Everyone looks lovely. I’ve seen some Gucci handbags and very stylish high boots. I’m from the West Midlands and it’s definitely different here. In Birmingham they do make an effort but they definitely make more effort here in the north."

Vanessa Smith, 31, from Manchester city centre, said: "Everybody looks gorgeous. They wear beautiful dresses and blouses and there are a lot of leggings with great sequins. It’s different from the south, the north in general is very classy and stylish."