Our 'essential' mobile numbers

If you own a mobile, you've probably got at least 55 numbers programmed into your phone, according to a new survey.

And that essential contacts list is more likely to include Big Brother than your little sister.

Most Britons store numbers for food and entertainment - such as reality TV - rather than contacts for work, family or friends, the study found.

One in 15 people questioned said they kept voting numbers for shows such as Popstars or the latest TV hit, Celebrity Big Brother, in their handset. Although close relatives' numbers were often kept, some of the more bizarre phone book entries included a lifeboat rescue service, tattoo parlour, pet shop, chimney sweep and theme park.

However, food was of far greater concern, with 40 per cent of people having their favourite Indian restaurant just a speed-dial away.

Twenty per cent could call up a Chinese or pizza delivery firm at the click of a button, while more than half logged a minicab company to get them home safely after a night out.

Men were most likely to list numbers for pubs, garages and insurance services, while women tended to include their hairdresser, gym or hospital.

Forty per cent of users gave their mobile as their main contact number rather than a home landline, the survey of 1,000 mobile owners showed.

A typical user made four social calls a day and received four, as well as sending seven text messages, researchers for high street chain The Link found.