THE North-East is in the UKs bottom three regions for mask wearing - as data reveals 1 in 5 say they will "never" wear one.

The startling figures come days after face coverings and face masks became mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England.

But a study has found the North-East is one of the least likely regions for people to comply with new rules.

Data from Dynata has revealed just 81.7 percent of people in the region say they will wear a mask - while 95.4 percent said they will in Scotland.

Dynata has been polling over 1000 Brits every week, with the data below collected between April 27 and July 20.

Each week consumers have been asked to choose an answer to the question “Do you personally wear a mask outside the home?”  Answers included: “Every time”; “Most of the time”: “Sometimes”; “Occasionally”; “Never” and “I do not leave my home”. 

The league table as of July 20 is as follows:

1. Scotland - 95.4% say they will wear masks outside the home 

2. London - 91% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home 

3. Northern Ireland - 89.5% reporting they will wear mask outside of the home

4. West Midlands - 86.6% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home

5. Yorkshire and Humberside - 85.9% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home

6. East Midlands - 85.5% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home

7. North-West and North-East - 81.7% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home

8. South and South-East - 78.8% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home

9. South-West and Wales - 77.8% reporting they will wear a mask outside of the home 

What happens if I break the rules?

You can be told to put on a face covering or leave the premises by police or transport officers.

Police officers can escort someone from a building for refusing to follow the rules and can use reasonable force if necessary.

You could be fined £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, or even prosecuted.