BOGUS callers have begun preying on vulnerable charity supporters across Teesside, an organisation announced last night.

Officials from Teesside Hospice, a charity which offers care and support for terminally-ill people, last night sounded the warning after a spate of incidents in the Linthorpe area of Middlesbrough.

Members of the registered charity, which is based in Linthorpe, are urging supporters to be extra vigilant after a bogus hospice representative has been reported calling at homes, selling Teesside Hospice Summer Draw raffle tickets.

Maureen Thompson, chief executive at the hospice, said: "Teesside Hospice relies heavily on the support of the local community to help fund our much-needed service.

"Throughout the year, we carry out various fundraising initiatives. Teesside Hospice's Summer Draw is one of our most successful raffles, and generates a huge amount of much-needed funds for the hospice.

"Therefore, you can imagine the disgust and outrage felt by hospice staff and volunteers when we received a call from a local supporter who had been targeted by a bogus hospice representative, who sold the lady a Summer Draw ticket - and also made off with her purse and a substantial amount of money."

Cleveland Police have been informed of the incident, and hospice staff have released a description of the individual, who struck at about 7.30pm on Thursday.

He is described as a young, white male, who was wearing a white and blue anorak and spoke in a polite manner.

Ms Thompson said: "Raffle tickets are only distributed to regular supporters through the hospice's newsletter, Hospice People, on a bi-annual basis, and I would like to make it clear to the local community that Teesside Hospice never sells raffle tickets door-to-door.

"The only Teesside Hospice representative who would call at your door is your regular lottery collector, or canvasser, both of whom wear clear visible Teesside Hospice badges at all times."

Anyone who is approached directly by someone offering a Teesside Hospice Summer Draw raffle ticket is urged to contact police or Teesside Hospice on 01642-355866.

* In 2003, The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers campaign to stamp out the menace of bogus callers. The Government has promised new powers to make it harder for conmen to trick householders.