Campaigners against the euro in the South-East have welcomed a poll revealing opposition to the single currency has strengthened.

The poll shows support for the euro when notes and coins were introduced on January 1 was a temporary blip and UK feelings towards the currency have returned to the same level as last summer.

This is a major blow for the pro-euro lobby, which was relying on the introduction of the currency to stimulate support.

The survey, conducted by ICM, showed 60 per cent of people would vote against the euro in a referendum, compared to only 27 per cent who would vote yes.

Opinion against the euro was most concentrated in the 18 to 24 age range, which has consistently shown very strong opposition to the euro.

David Hearnshaw, co-chairman of Business for Sterling South, said: "Unlike some older people, the young have confidence in Britain's future and they understand the world has changed.

"In the modern world, it is important to keep control of your economy and be flexible and competitive.

"The hype when the euro was launched has been replaced by reality.

"Attempts by the European Commission to dictate tax and spending policies to Gordon Brown, coupled with soaring unemployment in Germany, has focused minds on the real implications of replacing the pound and giving up control of our economy."