SHOPKEEPERS are warned to be on the lookout for forged £20 notes after two were used in a town centre.

The notes were discovered on consecutive days in shops in Barnard Castle, when takings were checked.

The notes are being examined by experts in a bid to find out where they were printed and to see if others have been found from the same source.

Sergeant Bill Dutton, of Barnard Castle Police, said: "We are advising all business people in the area to take particular care in checking £20 notes before they accept them."

He said anyone with doubts about notes that are offered should contact the police.