POLICE are on the trail of a wheelchair-bound conman who says he is raising money for a special needs school.

The man visited homes in Hartlepool and persuaded residents to hand over money for a sponsored walk to buy a minibus for Springwell School, in the town.

However, the charity event is not taking place, and the fraudster and an accomplice are believed to have pocketed hundreds of pounds.

The school's headteacher, Carl Telfer, said: "I felt disappointed, disgusted and upset. The last thing I want is the school's good name being used as a ruse. People know about our school, and have been very good to us and very generous. It has never been our policy to go door-knocking to raise funds.

"If we are doing sponsored events, we will have a letter on official headed notepaper, with my signature on it.

"My fear is that people will be wary of any future events we have to raise funds, and be concerned they are being ripped off."

Diane Brown, of Nookston Close, Hartlepool, alerted the school to the scam after her husband, John, handed over money.

Mrs Brown, who works for Hartlepool Borough Council as a senior school bus escort, said: "When John told me, it just did not sound right.

"I saw the two men knocking on doors. There are a lot of old folks living around here who would have thought they were genuine. John gave a fiver, and when he signed the form, he saw that other people had given £10 and even £20."

A police spokeswoman said: "This is a despicable act by individuals who have preyed on people's good nature."

Police said yesterday that the bogus collectors were still at large, but that an appeal for information had led to a good response from the public.

Anyone with information is asked to call 01642-302126.