A TELEPHONE sex pest who has made hundreds of nuisance calls over the last four years appears to have resumed his campaign, police are warning.

The man had been quiet for almost two years before what was thought to be a one-off call made at the start of the month to an address in Darlington - the target area for most of his victims.

But after a week without any calls, police have been contacted by another four victims - three living in Darlington and one from Newton Aycliffe.

PC John Milburn believes publicity about the man's activities has made him nervous.

"He's very, very careful about what people say," he said.

Mostly, the man has been targeting teenagers, pretending to be carrying out a radio survey. His questions quickly turn to a sexual nature.

Anyone who receives a call is asked to take note of any accents, backgrounds noises and dial 1471 to try to get a number, before calling PC Milburn at Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.