Spam text firms face fines

Dave Thompson/PA

We've all received them – those unsolicited texts stating that you may be entitled to compensation from a car accident or mis-sold insurance policy. They are annoying, invasive and you're left wondering how on earth the sender has got hold of your phone number.

Now firms who 'text spam' face fines of up to £500,000 as the authorities attempt to clamp down on this fast-growing problem.