I got a call from a worried estate agent in Thurrock, Essex this morning.

He had picked up the message I had left last night to the suspect opinion poll organisation (with the girl who couldn't pronounce "Mediterrenean" see below).

I had got the number through caller ID. But, according to the estate agent - who sounded honest, and no cheap jokes please, my dad once belonged to the profession - the number I phoned was one provided by Right Move only for incoming calls.

The phone company could sell the same number for outgoing use to somoneone else. They'd had a complaint before.

Is this Alice in Wonderland?

Now for some, against the diet, extra strength coffee.