FORGED £5 and £10 notes are circulating in south Durham, police warned last night.

The photocopies have been passed through shops and bank cash machines in Newton Aycliffe and Shildon.

The £10 notes all have the serial number EA 61934506, and the £5 are numbered JD 58474179.

Police urged shoppers to check their change. Anyone with information is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe police station by calling (01325) 314401.