A BOGUS letter claiming the recipient must take in a family of Asian lodgers has been sent to a vulnerable person.

An official-looking letter, with the Darlington Borough Council letterhead, claims the homeowner will have to provide a room in his house for an Asian family.

Although the letter, which is full of racist remarks, goes on to use improbable rhyming names, it has been taken seriously.

The householder, who has learning disabilities, was so worried he took the letter into the council offices in the town centre.

The man, who was very distressed, said he would not be able to fit any more people in his home.

Mystery surrounds the origin of the letter and the motive behind it, but similar letters have been received in other parts of the region and other areas of the country.

Although the letters appear to be official, the letterhead has been crudely cut off a real letter and stuck on to the fake.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: "This letter is undoubtedly in bad taste and may cause offence to people, as well as confusion and worry to more vulnerable residents.

"If anyone has concern over a letter they have received that appears to have come from the council they should not hesitate to contact the town hall and we will offer advice and reassure them."

The spokeswoman went on to say the police had been informed of the letter.

Police said the "joke" had been in circulation for more than 20 years.