IT IS the biggest survey of its kind in the UK - and now it is Southampton's turn in the spotlight.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out in the next month for the latest leg of a national project measuring the changing shape of the population.

The results will be used to help retailers produce better-fitting clothes.

It is the first-ever men's sizing survey in the UK and the first comprehensive women's survey for 50 years.

Dozens of people descended on Southampton Institute's Sir James Matthews building for yesterday's launch, with 3D body scanners used to compile 130 measurements from each volunteer.

Fashion student Amy Lovett, 23, from the Polygon in Southampton, was among the first to be tested.

She said: "I find it difficult finding clothes that are the same size from shop to shop, and it's a good idea to try to standardise sizes.

"Hopefully this survey will help do that.

"It was quite painless, but it did feel like being in a disco with all the strobe lighting."

Debbie Parminter, 33, from Netley Abbey, said: "I do have a problem getting clothes to fit sometimes, as I have quite a large bust, so anything that helps is good."

A host of companies are involved in the project, including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Oasis.

Richard Barnes, managing director of Select Research, said: "An idea that could come out of this is to have scanners in stores eventually so people can go in, be scanned and go down the clothes rail and find items that match their size."

He added: "This is the first time all the major UK retailers have come together to work jointly on a survey like this."

Volunteers over 45 are still needed for the survey and £20 gift tokens are on offer to people taking part.

For more details telephone 0870 727 3131.