PEOPLE are being warned that charities could lose out because of a business making charity-style appeals for unwanted goods.

Leaflets sent to houses in the Brandon and Bishop Auckland areas of County Durham appear to be from a charity collecting for developing countries.

But a closer inspection shows they are being distributed by a business that sells the goods for profit.

Phillip Holman, Durham County Council's head of trading standards, said: "This means that genuine charities and good causes could be losing out.

"It is estimated that legitimate charities lose out by up to £1m a year from this type of activity.

"Collection requests from legitimate charities usually show a prominent and recognisable name along with a charity number which can be checked with the Charity Commission on 0870 333 0123.

"If householders are in any doubt, they should take their donations to a recognised charity shop."