From correspondents in Hong Kong, China, 03:33 PM IST

A mobile phone number with six consecutive eights has sold for $44,000 in eastern China, media reports said Monday.

The mobile number was sold at an auction by China Mobile's Jiangxi branch, the South China Morning Post reported. Details of the buyer were not given.

The number eight is the most auspicious in Chinese numerology and is said to bring prosperity. Car number plates featuring consecutive number eights are equally sought after in the country.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)