Cutting out the knives.

IT was once assumed that a knife and fork always went together - but research out today suggests the cutlery double act is being split up.

Sales figures released by a major department store showed forks were outselling matching knives by almost two to one.

And etiquette authority Debrett's said the research pointed to a wider relaxation in dining habits, with less formal meals and more fast food snacks.

"In years gone by, our parents and grandparents sat down and had formal meals together," said etiquette expert Jo Bryant, of Debrett's.

"But that doesn't happen so much these days."