How many times have you settled down for the evening only to be disturbed by the ringing of your telephone? How many times have you answered the phone only to be unable to get a word in edgeways as there is a sales representative informing you of the reasons why you should purchase their wonderful kitchen or conservatory?

We are all aware that companies sell our telephone numbers, even if we are listed as ex-directory. Each time we buy items, such as white goods, cars and televisions etc, we are asked for our telephone number. In doing so, that number could end up in the hands of a representative who will make unsolicited marketing calls to our homes.

Prior to being made aware of the Telephone Preference Service, my husband and I were inundated with unwanted calls from companies who offered kitchens, driveways, double glazing and loans. We went through a period of receiving up to a dozen of these unsolicited calls every week, sometimes as late as 10 pm!!

Fear not!! Help is at hand from the Telephone Preference Service (who I shall now refer to as TPS). The TPS is the central opt-out register, which is non-government funded and relies solely on income generated by the direct marketing industry.

The TPS can be accessed on the internet, where you can register your telephone number, which can take up to 28 days to be added to the list. I'm not sure if I can provide web addresses within a review, so if you google "Telephone Preference Service", you will be sure to find them.

Under the Privacy and Electronic (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, which are enforced by The Information Commissioner's Office, it is illegal for any organisation to attempt to make unsolicited calls to your number once you are registered with the TPS.

After joining, you will receive a confirmation letter through the post outlining the work of the TPS and informing you of what action you should take should you continue to receive unsolicited nuisance calls.

However, I would point out that organisations such as your bank, credit card company or anyone with whom you have an ongoing relationship are excluded.

In addition to your landline, you are also able to register your mobile number. Unfortunately, whilst adding your number to the list will prevent telephone calls, it will not prevent unsolicited text messages.

If you receive any unsolicited calls after you have joined the TPS, you will need to access the relevant section on the TPS website and report the culprit using the online complaints form. You will be asked to provide details, such as the telephone number, time and date of call and if possible, the name of the caller together with details of the organisation. However, obtaining the name of the caller and organisation can sometimes be somewhat difficult as in my experience, they frequently slam down the phone!

Consequently, the Information Commissioner's Office will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action against the organisation concerned.

You may well currently be subjected to those frustrating and annoying "silent calls", which are normally computer-generated. What happens with these is that the computer will dial say ten numbers, with only five operators available to take the calls, hence you receive a silent phone call as there is no operator accessible to speak to you.

You can prevent the receipt of these calls by telephoning Silent CallGard on 0844 3722325.

I registered our telephone number approximately two years ago and ever since, we have received very few calls. When I have received calls, I keep the caller talking long enough to enable me to obtain the details I require to report them; after which I inform them my number is listed with the TPS. It's at this point that they normally terminate the call rather abruptly!!

I know these callers are only carrying out their jobs, but if I want a product or service, I most certainly would not agree to buy it from someone who randomly telephones my home!

If you are plagued with these types of calls and want to put a stop to them, I would highly recommend you register your telephone number with the TPS. Consequently, I rate the service with 5 out of 5 dooyoo stars.

I hope you found my review useful and would thank you for reading.