HOUSEHOLDERS are again being warned to be on their guard after an 86-year-old woman paid more than £2,000 for roofing work that was unnecessary and shoddy.

Trading standards issued a countywide message after learning that the conman was going to call back to see the Harrogate pensioner to collect a further £1,500.

He was described by his elderly victim as a "charming, nice man" but other reports about his activities elsewhere suggest that when found out he can turn aggressive and threatening.

Councillor Carl Les, North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for trading standards, said: "Yet again, we have elderly residents being preyed upon by unscrupulous criminals offering house repairs.

"There's only so much which we or other enforcement organisations can do to stop these things. That's why we're calling on the Government for new legislation to ban the cold calling of property repairers.

"Local communities, neighbours and friends all need to understand that these criminals are operating. It really is time we stopped tolerating doorstep sellers and make it clear to callers that calling door to door in the 21st Century is neither necessary nor acceptable."