COFFEE drinkers in the region are being asked to take part in a survey to see if their favourite drink boosts their brain power.

Psychologists at Northumbria University are looking to recruit up to 10,000 people to take part in a web-based study.

All coffee drinkers have to do is visit a website and answer a number of questions.

Academics at the Newcastle-based university say there is plenty of evidence that drinking coffee and tea can improve your brain's performance. Some research has shown that the effect is most pronounced as people get older, suggesting that caffeine might protect the brain against the effects of ageing.

There is also evidence that long-term coffee drinking reduces the chance of developing Parkinson's disease.

The Northumbria University team will run what is believed to be the first serious, scientific web-based experiment to assess people's brain power.

A university spokeswoman said: "The experiment involves people completing a few simple tasks that assess memory and attention. Participants will then be asked to record how much caffeine they normally consume and give details such as whether they smoke, drink or exercise."

Non-tea and coffee-drinkers are also welcome to take part.

The questionnaire will be done anonymously and will take 15 minutes to complete.

To take part visit www.caffeineresearch.org.uk