1. You no longer pick up the phone when it rings as it will either be a double glazing salesman "who isn't trying to sell you anything" or a double glazing salesman who "has got the best deal ever".

2. Your winning lottery ticket has been recycled into a shredded winning lottery ticket by your beloved gerbil.

3. Your new neighbours turn out to be people that were rejected as contestants on "Big Brother" for being too loud and unsocial.

4. The clairvoyant insists on renewing her buildings, contents and personal insurance before letting you cross the threshold.

5. The casualty department of the local hospital sponsors your favourite football team.

6. The marriage guidance counsellor and your ex have invited you to their wedding.

7. The horse you backed in the Grand National is responsible for spreading a great deal of happiness - to bookies.

One person who trusted in the luck generating properties of black cats was Kevin Carlyon, a well-known white witch from Hastings. He shares his home with seven black cats, and was unfortunate enough to break his leg - after tripping over one of them!