TRADING standards officers in Darlington have renewed appeals for householders to beware of companies that may be collecting donations under false pretences.

The warning came after another resident contacted The Northern Echo to say she had received a leaflet through her door asking for donations of clothing for Third World countries.

A few weeks ago, trading standards officers warned that another company that had been sending leaflets to homes in the town asking for donations for eastern Europe may not be a legitimate charity.

Officers were concerned that the company, which did not have a registered charity number, would collect bags full of donations that had been left outside people's homes, and sell the clothing and household items for money.

Yesterday, a woman from Elton Road, Darlington, said: "I got a leaflet asking for clothing pushed through my door and it isn't a charity that I have heard of."

It is not known whether this latest leaflet is legitimate, but a spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council advises residents to check with trading standards if there is any doubt.

She said: "Anyone concerned about any leaflet they receive through their door should contact trading standards or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 for advice. Genuine charity collection bags usually have a genuine charity number and logo on them."