FEARS are rising that unscrupulous cowboy traders could take advantage of the heartache caused by the floods that devastated parts of North Yorkshire.

Many householders are still trying to come to terms with the devastation brought to their lives and homes by Sunday night's flash floods.

But there are growing concerns that conmen may try to make easy money for themselves.

Homeowners in the affected areas of Hambleton and Ryedale are being urged not to deal with doorstep traders for property repairs.

Trading standards chiefs in the county - who are leading the Northern Echo-backed campaign to ban doorstep-selling - say the cold-callers should be turned away.

Instead, people should contact a number of local, established firms and obtain more than one quote before deciding whether to go ahead with any work.

The county's executive member with responsibility for trading standards, John Fort, said: "Sadly, our experience is that during times of crisis such as these, rogue traders tend to come out of the woodwork and prey on people who are already suffering, particularly the elderly or vulnerable members of our communities.

"We would ask the public to be especially vigilant in notifying us of such traders when they appear in your area and to ensure vulnerable members of your communities are safe-guarded."

Common problems that result from dealing with doorstep callers are poor-quality work, overcharging and failing to give appropriate business name and contact details - which are required if the trader needs to be contacted in the future.

Today, trading standards officers will be at the mobile police van in Helmsley's Market Place, from 10am to 3pm, offering advice and assistance to those requiring property repairs or advice about doorstep callers.

The county council's rapid response team is also on alert this week, to deal with any such rogue traders. Officers will attend immediately to help people who have been cold-called and will investigate any offences which have been committed.

* If you receive a cold-call from a doorstep caller offering to carry out repairs, notify the rapid response team on (01609) 768636 or police on 0845 6060 247.

Householders wanting further advice about property repair matters can also contact the service's advice team on 08454 040506.

* Steam enthusiasts are being re-assured that this year's Great Yorkshire Steam and Vintage Rally will be going ahead despite the floods.

The show, which attracts thousands of people each year, is to be held at Duncombe Park, near Helmsley, on July 2 and 3.

The site is close to the area where a freak flash flood wiped out a campsite set up for a motorcycle rally last weekend.

However, with the danger now gone, organisers of the traction rally say their event will be going ahead as planned, with steam engines, fairground rides, vintage cars and trucks and more.