FEARS about a church mission being exploited by conmen have been answered.

Parish councillors in Egglescliffe had been worried about bogus callers cashing in on the Springboard Mission being planned by All Saints' church in Preston.

After the dates of the two-week scheme were published, councillors called on the church to issue volunteers with ID cards to avoid problems.

The Springboard Mission is being run by the church during May and will involve church members caring for people in the parish by offering to do jobs around the home for free.

Parish council clerk Mrs Helen Rennison said: "We were worried about conmen going to people's homes, pretending to be from the church.

"It was agreed that this is a wonderful thing the church is doing but we felt there should be adequate ID to avoid problems."

This week, priest-in-charge, the Rev Alan Fairish, said the mission was being carefully planned and was simply a way of showing the church cared about those in need.

"Although local newspapers publicised the mission and the dates it will run, they were not given the dates on which our members will be visiting homes asking people what they need," he said.

"All these visitors will go out in pairs and will carry with them identity badges which can be checked.

"Visitors will also carry mission papers outlining all the areas of service our members feel we can help with. Householders can ask to see these as well."

During the mission fortnight, as requested tasks are being done, church members will also carry ID with them and will visit people's homes at mutually agreed times.

The church will mail people in the parish to inform them of the details nearer the time.

The church's response was given to councillors at the parish council meeting on Thursday of last week.

Chairman, Coun Ian Bewley, said: "We wish the church every success with this and we are now quite happy with the arrangements.