A WARNING has been issued for people not to be hoodwinked by unsolicited and heartbreaking letters claiming to be from children in Uganda.

The warning is being made through the Ripon and Leeds Diocese by Ian Smith, area representative of the Church Mission Society (CMS).

The problem of Ugandan children being exploited and not benefiting from the money appears in the latest issue of the diocesan newsletter.

Mr Smith and the Church of England's Board of Mission have joined forces to advise against responding to what are often emotive letters.

Letters appear to come from an organised group who are targeting people who might be regarded as sympathetic.

"It is safer to send money through channels that ensure money goes to the most deserving cases, rather than those able to write letters," said the board.

"The local church in Uganda is working very hard, often with minimal funding, to help such children. They can be funded with the benefit of Gift Aid, through various bona fide mission agencies."

They include the Church Army, CMS, MAM and Mothers' Union, all of them working in Uganda to help relieve suffering.