Complaints about doorstep selling shot up by almost 200 per cent in one part of the region over the last year, it was revealed yesterday.

Property repairs, maintenance and services were the biggest problem, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the complaints.

And, worryingly, a high number of the consumers who were targeted were elderly people, with pensioners making up more than half of the victims.

The shock statistics from North Yorkshire were announced as the Doorstoppers campaign, spearheaded by The Northern Echo, continues to gain momemtum.

Backed by trading standards officials, police and local authorities, the campaign aims to stamp out the scourge of doorstep selling and has already been taken up in parliament.

A special telephone helpline run by trading standards in North Yorkshire received almost 300 doorstep-selling complaints last year compared to just over 100 previously.

And a new rapid response service has now been introduced to help consumers, particularly older and vulnerable adults, who have been targeted by these rogue traders.

Read the full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo.