Three quarters of British women over 40 reckon sex is better now than it was in their 20s.

LONDON (AFP) - Three quarters of British women over 40 reckon sex is better now than it was in their 20s.

A survey found that 77 percent enjoyed sex more in their 40s -- and rather than slowing down, 45 percent had a greater sexual appetite than when younger.

The survey of 2,000 women across Britain was for Health Plus magazine, which is targeted at women over 40.

The magazine's editor said mature women were having far more fun than "binge-drinking, bed-hopping" younger counterparts.

Sixty-nine percent of the women surveyed felt more sexually adventurous than ever before and 66 percent felt more confident about their bodies than in their younger days.

The survey brought bad news for would-be toy-boys, with just 33 percent of women over 40 preferring a younger man, compared to 51 percent going for someone their own age.

"Older women are tired of people thinking sex is only for 16 to 39-year-olds, with the possible exception of (British model and actress) Liz Hurley or other celebrities who wear Versace and pout a lot," said Colette Harris, editor of Health Plus magazine.

"The truth is, 40-plus women know how to enjoy passion with their partner.

"They are far more sexually confident than when they were younger, know what gives them pleasure and have far better sex lives than binge-drinking, bed-hopping 20-somethings."