PENSIONERS are being warned to be on their guard after an elaborate con left an elderly woman heavily out of pocket.

Two men posing as council contractors called at the woman's home in Dickens Street, Spennymoor, shortly after 11am, on Thursday.

The men told her they were working for the local authority and offered to trim her garden hedge for £160.

When the woman asked about their credentials, and queried the high cost of the work, one of the men made a call on his mobile which he claimed was to the council offices.

He handed the phone to the pensioner who was told by a third man on the line that they were subcontractors working for the council.

The woman, in her 80s, was assured that she would be reimbursed for the cost of the work.

The two men then drove the woman to the Lloyds Bank cashpoint in the town where she withdrew the £160 and handed it over.

The pair told her to go home and put the kettle on and that they would be round shortly - but that was the last she saw of them.

Police say they have received a number of reports in the past 24 hours of similar offers being made to other pensioners in the Bishop Auckland area.

Chief Constable Neville Price, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said: "These men have no conscience or scruples and are singling out elderly members of the community who are perhaps more trusting than most.

"We want people to be on their guard and demand identification from people who call unannounced.

"If in doubt, ring the police before committing yourself to any work and handing over any cash."

The older of the two men is described as 5ft 5in, of medium build with short, straight, dark hair and was wearing a black t-shirt.

The second was in his late teens, 5ft 6in, slim, with a fair complexion.

Anyone who saw the men or who could help identify them is asked to call (0845) 60 60 365.