A Bedfordshire man was sent a letter from insurance company Prudential addressed to Mr A Shagslikeadonkey.

The letter to Nick Mann was signed by the company's marketing chief Andy Lucas

The note went on: "Dear Mr Shagslikeadonkey, Moving your home insurance to Prudential could save about £80 . . ."

Mr Mann, a financial adviser, said: "My jaw hit the floor when I saw the letter. I'm used to hearing from insurance companies due to my work - but I've never received anything like this. I don't even have any Prudential policies."

A Prudential spokesman said the name was put in their system years ago - and the culprit had left the firm.