Formula for perfect Christmas wrap - ½(d+2h+w)" = 2(w+h)"

GIVERS whose efforts at wrapping leave their Christmas presents looking like an origami car crash will find solace today - scientists have come up with a mathematical formula for the perfect wrap.

The formula = instructs wrappers on the amount of paper and sticky tape to use, and even the best pattern to have on your wrapping paper.

Researchers at the University of Manchester said fumbling wrappers will improve their results by putting presents in boxes and wrapping them with striped or checked paper. Dr Sara Santos said the formula would minimise the amount of paper and tape wasted in the wrapping process.