The Dead Parrot' has been voted the nation's favourite Monty Python sketch of all time.

The famous pet shop skit - which first aired in 1969 and featured John Cleese as an angry customer attempting to get his money back from stubborn salesman Michael Palin - has been voted the most popular moment by 45 percent of the 2,000 adults taking part in the survey.

The 'Lumberjack Song' came in second with 28 percent, while 'The Ministry of Silly Walks' made it into the top three after receiving 23 percent of the vote.

The 'Spanish Inquisition' made it into fourth with 16 percent, while 'Spam' and 'Four Yorkshire Men' followed closely behind with 15 and 12 percent respectively.

Just missing out on the top 10 was the 'Silly Olympics', 'Hell's Grannies' and 'Gay Policemen', which all received just six percent of the vote.

The survey was commissioned to mark the screening of the comedy troupe's - consisting of John, Michael, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones - last ever Monty Python live show, which will air on TV Gold on July 20.

General Manager of Gold, Steve North, said: ''It's clear from our research that Monty Python has crossed the generations, 45 years on from the very first series. We're honoured to be broadcasting the final 'Monty Python Live (Mostly)' stage show on our channel so that fans at home can be part of the last ever performance from the most iconic group of comedians in the world.''

The nation's favourite top ten Monty Python sketches are as follows:

'Dead Parrot' - 45 percent

'The Lumberjack Song' - 28 percent

'The Ministry of Silly Walks' - 23 percent

'The Spanish Inquisition' - 16 percent

'Spam' - 15 percent

'Four Yorkshiremen' - 12 percent

'Nudge Nudge' - 11 percent

'Fish slapping dance' - 8 percent

'The Restaurant sketch (dirty fork)' - 7 percent

'The killer joke' - 6 percent