measures to help the elderly combat doorstep crime were unveiled yesterday.

Durham County Council's trading standards service held a training seminar for professionals, volunteers and carers who work with older people.

Phillip Holman, head of trading standards, said: "The aim is to empower older people to deal effectively with doorstep cold callers."

Representatives from organisations including the police, housing agencies, district councils and care staff attended the event at County Hall, in Durham.

They watched videos called Beat the Bogeyman and Beware the Bogeyman, which are designed to show older people useful techniques to safeguard them from bogus callers.

It also encourages self- confidence and enables people to stay in control when dealing with unexpected callers.

"It highlights how people are targeted and the scams used by criminals to trick their way into homes to steal or charge extortionate prices for shoddy repairs," said Mr Holman.

"The training offers tips on presentation techniques to encourage involvement and to ensure that the key messages are remembered and put into practice.

"At this time of the year in particular, people get unwanted callers suggesting that urgent repair work is needed to their home.

"This work is often unnecessary and over-priced. Our advice is quite simple - don't employ cold callers at your door."

Last year, The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers campaign to raise awareness of bogus callers and door-to-door salesmen.

Anyone interested in the training package can contact trading standards on 0845 3303313.