POLICE are investigating a possible scam involving the national young people's charity ChildLine.

Collectors claiming to represent the charity, which runs a phoneline for children in trouble, have been calling at homes in the Bishop Auckland area asking for £1.50.

In return, donors were given Magic Bear air fresheners which were distributed by a Scottish company for ChildLine until their contract ended ten weeks ago.

But earlier this week, both ChildLine and the firm Worldwide Air Fresheners said the fresheners should not be being sold, while police urged anyone approached by the collectors to come forward.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "We don't benefit from the sale. The partnership ChildLine had with Worldwide Air Fresheners finished on June 3.

"We are looking at what future action we can take."

James Rodger, the company's office manager, said: "This should not be happening. The money isn't going to ChildLine and it isn't coming to us. We want this stopped."

Teacher Eric Lowson, from Bishop Auckland, handed over £1.50 but was disappointed to read on the freshener's packet that, in any case, the charity would have only been given 10p from the sale.

Mr Lowson said: "The caller said he was collecting on behalf of ChildLine and described the charity's work.

"He asked for a donation of £1.50 and offered the air freshener as a gift in return.

"I am happy to support ChildLine and was told the money was going to them. It was bad enough to think they were only getting 10p. Now I learn they will get nothing at all."

Inspector Helen McMillan, of Bishop Auckland police, said: "It would appear that these people are obtaining money by deception. We would urge people to contact us if they are approached."

Contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.