RESEARCHERS at Stirling University has discovered why some people are more tickly than others.

They have found that right-handed people are generally more tickly than those who are left-handed. And the tickliest spot on our bodies is the sole of the right foot. They have also found that men are more tickly than women.

The research has revealed the right side of the body is far more sensitive to positive emotions such as laughter than the left side.

Researchers used a specially designed ''tickle box'' consisting of a wooden box enclosed over a plastic needle which protrudes out of the top and which can be manoeuvered to slide up and down the sole of the foot.

Final-year psychology student Jackie Smith, 21, carried out the research for her dissertation as part of her BSc Honours degree.

Now she hopes her research can be published and used as part of a wider study into recognition of pain.

Miss Smith explained: ''When I looked to find out if there was any previous research, it was very difficult come up with anything.''