Almost a fifth of Brits believe their superstitious beliefs have a negative impact on their life.

Bizarre on Female First

Bizarre on Female First

A new survey shows that 12 million people in the UK have also let superstitions - such as door numbers, street names and the number 13 - make them turn down house and car purchases.

A spokesman for Paddy Power Games said: ''For a nation famous for our stiff upper-lips it is more than a little surprising to see so many Brits believe in superstition, especially the quarter of us who carry a lucky penny or the 35% of us who believe crossing our fingers will bring us good luck!''

Over a third of the UK consider themselves superstitious, with a quarter admitting to possessing a lucky penny.

Brighton rules as the most superstitious city in the country, following by Southampton and Sheffield.