TRADING Standards officers in Darlington are re-issuing warnings to residents to be on their guard against any post they may receive from a company called Glide Delivery.

Darlington Borough Council's consumer advice team has had complaints from residents who received a postcard from Glide stating they need to ring a telephone number to arrange collection of a parcel addressed to them, usually a portable radio.

However, closer inspection reveals that the telephone number is a premium rate line charged at £1.50 per minute, with calls lasting up to four minutes.

Calls from mobile phones costs even more.

The card is professionally produced, appears to have a similar design to the Royal Mail Collection card and claims the product is awaiting delivery.

Councillor Stephen Harker, cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, said: "Whilst what this company is doing may not be illegal, it is very mischievous and could make a substantial amount of money out of people.

"Our advice to residents, if they receive unexpected mail of this kind, is to be cautious and always check the small print.

"These type of companies make a lot of money out of premium rate lines and usually the 'prize' on offer will be worth much less than the cost of the calls."

To report a delivery of this type of card or for further assistance contact Darlington Trading Standards at 11 Houndgate, Darlington, DL1 5RF or telephone (01325) 388799.