HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned about bogus charity collectors who are operating in the North-East.

The Great North Air Ambulance, which carries out bona fide door-to-door collections, has discovered bogus collections across the region, including in Darlington, Redcar and Blyth.

Operations manager Roy Thorpe said: "It is a shame that there are unscrupulous people out there who will take advantage of the general public's good nature.

"I find it abhorrent that these people deceive the public and deny honourable charities of much-needed funds."

Mr Thorpe said bogus operators were leaving bags for householders to fill with clothes, shoes, linen and other unwanted goods.

"We ask the people in the region to be cautious. If they receive a request for clothing or other goods, the leaflet or bag should have the registered charity number on it," he said.

Official charity collectors always carry ID badges and will hold a licence to collect.

Mr Thorpe said: "The collection vehicles of most charities are tidy and will have the logos and contact details on the vans, like ours.

"If ever anyone is unsure, they can contact the licensing officer of their local council who can confirm if they have a licence to collect or if they are a national charity with Home Office exemption."

The Northern Echo's Door-stoppers campaign aims to raise awareness of bogus call-ers and distraction burglaries.

It wants a change in the law to combat door-to-door property repair tradespeople.