TRADING standards officers in Hartlepool have warned people not to fall for a watch scam.

A man from the town's Throston Grange area brought the so-called offer to Hartlepool Borough Council's attention after receiving a letter from a London ad-mail address saying he was entitled to a pre-allocated prize of a Diamond Accent Watch - if he sent off £22.99.

Malcolm Graham, senior trading standards officer at the council, said: "You can be pretty certain that these watches will be the cheapest money can buy, and so we are warning people not to be tempted by the offer.

"Anyone who receives an offer like this should simply ignore it and contact the council's trading standards unit."

For more information about the scam, contact Mr Graham, on (01429) 523351.