Companies wishing to protect themselves from cold calls can put their numbers on a special off-limits register.

The scheme will come into effect from June 25 and anyone cold-calling someone on the list risks fines of up to £5000.

Information Commissioner Richard Thomas hopes the register will prevent residential numbers, sole traders and partnerships from cold calls.

At present there are around 4.5m companies registered, although Thomas has warned that firms must put all their numbers on the list to completely prevent cold calls.