THE number of people simultaneously talking down a static-filled phone line has been estimated as between five and the entire population of Preston.

The call, co-ordinating marketing strategy between head and branch offices of KJC Services, has reached the 20-minute mark with no clear leaders and a succession of beeped arrivals and departures.

Manager Carolyn Ryan said: “We managed to agree that the weather wasn’t good, though I’m not sure whether that was referring to the weather in London, Shenzen or New York.

“Every time I speak, after an awkward 12-second pause, everyone else speaks as well and not a word can be understood.

“There was someone with an American accent talking for a while and we were all straining to hear it, then we realised it was Columbo on in the background.

“I’m pretty sure I haven’t heard the same voice twice and the last few seemed to be giving me urgent messages to pass on to the living.

“Still it’s better than work.”