TRADING standards officers are urging people to be cautious of an offer claiming that they have won a free holiday.

The move comes a week after trading standards officers warned about foreign firms offering cash prizes that never materialise, despite recipients sending off fees of up to £20.

Darlington Borough Council's officers are now urging caution after more than 50 inquiries about a company called Holidays Direct, also known as UK Consumer Competitions.

Leaflets have been sent out saying the recipient has won a free holiday and asking for an administration fee of £30, sometimes £60, to register the prize.

It is claimed that on receipt of the money, the holiday will be offered within 18 months.

In the absence of information about the company, trading standards officers are concerned about the viability of the scheme and are advising customers to read the terms and conditions of the offer very carefully.

Trading standards officers advise people not to send money in response to an advertisement unless they are prepared to risk losing it.

Current information indicates the company is based at a "remote address", not in Bournemouth, as the letter states, but possibly in Staffordshire or Bolton.

Councillor Stephen Harker, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "If an offer sounds too good to be true, it pays to be extra careful and read the small print, especially before parting with hard-earned cash."

Anyone who has concerns about offers of this type is asked to contact Darlington council's trading standards department on (01325) 388582.