Transmitting messages to a portable communication device in response to monitored events

A messaging system comprises a monitoring unit 1, telephony device 2 and portable communication device 3. When monitoring unit 1 detects an event it transmits a paging initiation signal indicative of the event on a short range wireless link to the telephony device 2. In response, the telephony device transmits a text message indicative of the event to the portable communication device. The monitoring unit may be configured to detect events such as burglar alarms, price changes of tradable units, reception of emails or status changes of household appliances. The short range wireless link may use Bluetooth (RTM) or an infrared link. The text massage may use SMS in GSM or a mobile compatible email system.