ON the bus, in the pub and even in the cinema, they are always going off. And they don't just ring like a normal phone, but chime and bleep tunes ranging from Mozart to the latest Steps hit.

Once a Yuppie status symbol, mobile phones are now an essential part of daily life for tens of millions of Brits.

But often no one says a word, sending text messages instead to arrange to meet up, send jokes and even chat each other up.

We asked passers by on the streets of York how their mobiles have affected their lives.

Jenny Soles, 18, and Michael Wadsworth, 20, use their mobile to keep their relationship going. Jenny said: "We have been going out for one year. The only way we keep in touch is by texting each other.

"I think he must be afraid of phoning, or something. We even met that way, as he got my mobile number from a mutual friend and texts me to meet up."

Michael admits: "I mainly use my mobile to keep in touch with her. I spend about £10 a week on texting."

Helen Rouse and Martin Corr, both 16, also use their mobile to make their relationship work. "We have been going out for the last two years and we text message each other to just chat and arrange to meet up."

Phillipa Heath, aged 21, a student at the University of York, says: "I got my mobile when I went to university. I think it is the main form of communication among students, as it saves a fortune on your phone bill - although the money you spend on texting does add up as well."

Gareth Johnston, 22, who works, appropriately. in a mobile phone shop, says: "Most messages I sent are comical and do contain some swearing. I mainly use my phone for texting jokes."

One of his favourite jokes (made slightly more polite for our readers) is: Mickey the taking is someone that realise u that point this at is it (now read it backwards)

Even though text messaging is mainly a trend for youngsters, this does not stop 69-year-Graham Davis from joining in. His mobile was a Christmas present from his wife. "I think she wanted to drag me, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century." Most text messages he receives are from his wife asking him to meet up, or from his son if he wants a free dinner.

Updated: 12:46 Saturday, June 30, 2001