COUNCIL officials have repeated warnings about unannounced doorstep callers after a pensioner was targeted by a gang claiming to be roofers.

Stockton Borough Council's trading standards and licensing team issued the caution after an elderly man was conned out of hundreds of pounds.

The so-called roofers called at his home and advised him that his roof and chimney were in a dangerous condition and required immediate attention.

A council spokesman said: "The man ended up paying hundreds of pounds for work that was of poor quality and may not have been needed in the first place."

David Kitching, trading standards and licensing manager, said: "Unfortunately, this incident is typical of how some traders operate. They target those who are less able to check the quality of the work and can be intimidated into parting with large sums of money. Some of these people may also be linked with distraction burglaries.

"If you need work carrying out to your property, get a number of quotes from reputable traders who have a genuine business address."