TRADING standards officials have been inundated with complaints about a prize draw offer.

Residents across east Cleveland are receiving letters headed Purple Rock, featuring a picture of a new BMW Mini and saying: "Congratulations. I am writing to let you know that your entry into the Purple Rock Giveaway has been successful and that you have definitely been selected to receive one of the following..."

The list of prizes includes a BMW, a flat screen TV, and a laptop computer, along with an award number and 24-hour claim line.

But the call can last six minutes, costing £9, plus a £14.95 handling and delivery charge for the likely prize of a disposable camera.

Howard Turton, principal trading standards officer with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, a department which has received 30 calls complaining about Purple Rock, said: "It's the usual too good to be true offer, with a sting of around £25 for what is likely to be a major disappointment when the gift is received.

"Unless you can afford to risk £25 for one of the 12 major prizes, our advice is - don't reply."