Millions of Brits are terrified of Friday the 13th, refuse to walk under ladders and avoid crossing the path of a black cat, a study has found.

Researchers found that half the population describe themselves as 'superstitious', with one in five dreading the arrival of the unluckiest date in the calendar.

One in six adults believe Friday the 13th poses the greatest risk of bad luck and consider it unluckier than black cats, broken mirrors and spilled salt.