Slade slain by Santa's sled-shifter

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is the mobile phone ringtone of choice this Christmas, trouncing other Yuletide staples such as Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody.

According to iobox.com, the tune about Santa's rose-nosed sled-shifter has been downloaded more than any other Christmas classic, including Frosty the Snowman, which came in second in the company's top 10, and Winter Wonderland, which came third.

Of the more contemporary numbers, Slade's classic Merry Xmas Everybody is the seventh most popular.

Over the past two weeks, more than 6,000 people have downloaded the top 10 seasonal ringtones. Jingle Bells sits at the surprisingly low position of number eight.

Ginny Hutchinson, iobox's UK country manager, claimed festive ringtones are a "fun" way of adding to the good cheer during the run up to Christmas.

She said: "This year we've seen a huge increase in the popularity of seasonal tones and it is clear from our top 10 best sellers that the golden oldies are the true favourites."

That iobox Christmas top ten in full:

1. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
2. Frosty the Snowman
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Jingle Bells Rock
5. We wish you a Merry Christmas
6. Last Christmas - Wham
7. Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade
8. Jingle Bells
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
10. Sleigh Ride