Residents warned of bogus charity

People living in Berkshire are being warned of a bogus charity claiming to be collecting clothing for people in the developing world.

Leaflets were sent to households in the west of the county and collections were due to be made on Wednesday.

Trading Standards say the collectors sell the clothes for profit instead of sending them to the Third World.

People who have doubts about a collector or charity can contact the Charity Commission.

Our advice is to only donate to well known charities or to your local charity shop Theresa Bashford, Trading Standards officer

The bogus flyers read: "We urgently need clothing that you and your family may never wear again, maybe its no longer your size, etc.

"These will be carefully sorted and sent to the Third World to those in need.

"Your help will be very much appreciated."

Theresa Bashford, Trading Standards officer at West Berkshire Council, said: "There are, of course, bona fide companies collecting for charity.

"Our advice is to only donate to well known charities or to your local charity shop, or if you are unsure as to who you are donating to, check them out."