Best pay as you go phones under £10

Is it possible to get a decent pay as you go phone for under a tenner? In a miracle worthy of Saint Skint, it is indeed.

You won't get much beyond the most basic functions on these phones, so don't expect a smart phone. In fact, if you insist on a touchscreen handset with lots of social networking and Web-surfing features, you'll probably end up with a phone that's torture to use.

Instead, focus on calls and texts to find the best of the budget bunch. A simple camera is also likely to be on board, as well as a basic Web browser for when you absolutely, positively must check your Facebook. 

You may even get a torch, which is an oddly popular addition on bargain phones. You should be able to listen to music with an on-board MP3 player, and an FM radio is a possibility. Beware, however, you may be stuck with the manufacturer's cheap headphones if the phone skimps on a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

The good news is you'll probably end up with more to brag about than your full wallet. With fewer features and smaller screens, the batteries in budget phones tend to kick the brisket off of more expensive models.

So, not only will you have enough money to get the pints in, you'll have plenty of power left at the end of the night to call a taxi -- and at these prices, you'll still be laughing if you leave the phone in the cab.