Vodafone has begun a major push into the market for third-generation mobile phones with plans to launch ten new handsets before Christmas.

The telecoms giant said it would begin selling the phones in November.

They will feature modern technology offering users improved quality, sound, pictures and video, as well as access to 3G games.

Models due to go on sale include the first 2-megapixel camera phone in Europe, which can take pictures at a higher resolution than those already on the market.

Last month, Vodafone announced that England captain and Real Madrid star David Beckham would remain the face of the company for another year.