CHEESY MONEY; Net yourself a free phone. pounds 10,000 spent on research to find the perfect sandwich.

Byline: JANE KERR

RELUCTANT cooks might boast they can't even make a sandwich.

But now they have no excuse after researchers spent two-and-a-half months and pounds 10,000 coming up with the perfect piece.

And the scientific formula for the tasty treat is: 0.225b+0.196f+0.181e + 0.136p +0.134c + 0.127s.

Although that makes the most complicated haute cuisine recipe look simple, the scientists have helpfully added a translation.

It means exactly 28g of mature strong cheddar cheese, sliced 2 mm thick, two slices of medium thick, pre-sliced white bread with a round top, 17g of pickle and 3g of vegetable-based spread.

To make the experience absolutely perfect, it should be cut diagonally in half and enjoyed at home for lunch in front of the TV.

The bizarre research was conducted by experts at the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association Group. They asked 500 people what bread, filling and presentation they preferred and put together a panel of food experts to test various combinations and translate them into a scientific formula.

The scientific equation for the snack was revealed for the first time at the launch of British Bread Month, during which bakers hope to hit back at the recent popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.

John White, director of the Federation of Bakers, said: ``The popularity of the classic cheese and pickle as the perfect homemade sandwich is a triumph for good honest British food.''

The cheese and pickle sandwich beat more exotic fillings, including prawn, smoked salmon, bacon and brie to take the top place.

CAPTION(S):

PERFECT PLATTER: The winning sandwich