The volume of direct mail sent in the UK has doubled in the last 10 years, according to findings published by the Direct Mail Information Service (DMIS).

The average British household now receives just over 12 direct mail items a month compared to 11.7 last year.

The survey also claimed that around 75% of mail was opened and 53% read, based on a sample of over 600 people.

DMIS managing director Jo Howard-Brown said direct mail was the "most dynamic part of the overall marketing mix," but added that the current anthrax scare was bound to have repercussions for the industry.

"It is inevitable that consumers are nervous because of the reporting in the national press," she added.