It may be time for a spring clean, but there’s one item Britons simply cannot bear to part with – even if it is moth-eaten or missing an eye.

More than a quarter hold on to their childhood teddy, according to research.

And in a nation of sentimental hoarders, 27 per cent said they couldn’t face getting rid of artwork by their own children.

Other items cluttering up drawers include old mobile phones (34 per cent), shoes that are too painful to wear (22 per cent), love letters from an old flame (11 per cent), and ‘lucky’ pants (7 per cent).

At the top of the list, souvenirs from old holidays are littered around 35 per cent of Britons’ homes.

Just over a fifth admitted to being a hoarder, and one in ten said they believe certain possessions bring good fortune.

More than a quarter of Britons hold on to their childhood teddy, according to research

However, with cupboards bursting, their loved ones are taking matters into their own hands.

Almost a quarter of Britons have had items deemed too ugly or embarrassing to be on display hidden by a partner.

And 30 per cent have stashed sentimental objects to stop them from being taken to a charity shop.

Old tech also features in the list of items most frequently clung on to – particularly phones and laptops storing photos and memories.

Of those surveyed, 24 per cent had kept their first games console and 15 per cent still had an iPod with all of their favourite songs on it.

Up to 57 per cent of Britons admitted to feeling guilty about replacing tech that still works, with many saying they feel pressure to upgrade purely because of appearance.

The research, by refurbished tech platform Back Market, comes as it launches ‘ugly’ and ‘obsolete’ categories, where customers can buy fully working laptops with visible wear, keeping them out of the landfill.

Chief marketing officer Joy Howard said: ‘We’re seeing a clear shift. For years, tech was about having the newest thing. Now, it’s about whether it works for your life. People are starting to question why they’re replacing devices that still do everything they need.’