Warning over 'charity' collectors

Trading Standards say the leaflets are misleading

Warnings have been issued in Cornwall about a firm claiming to be collecting clothes for people affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The leaflets from a company called Byronswell say £50 per tonne of clothing collected will go to charity.

But there is no registered charity number on the leaflet from the firm which was unavailable for comment.

Trading Standards officials said the leaflets should be ignored and clothes donated to registered charities.

The leaflets from Southampton-based Byronswell ask for unwanted clothes to be put into plastic bags and left outside for collection.

It says in small type at the bottom of the leaflet that the firm is a commercial collecting organisation and has the message: "God will reward your good heart."

Kate Entwistle, a St Mellion householder who received one of the leaflets, told BBC News: "I became suspicious when I could not see any charitable number.

It's written in such a way to make you think that you are giving direct to a charity, but it is a profit-making organisation Kate Entwistle

"It's written in such a way to make you think that you are giving direct to a charity, but it is a profit-making organisation.

"What really upset me as well was bringing religion into it, which would appeal to many unsuspecting people."

Householders in Helston and Penzance have also been receiving similar leaflets asking them to spare their unwanted clothes for disadvantaged people in the Third World.

The misleading impression given by the leaflets is, in some instances, reinforced with a number, which people may think is that of a registered charity but is actually the registration number for the limited company.

Jackie Snow, from Cornwall Trading Standards, said: "Members of the public are again being targeted by commercial clothing collectors and consumers need to be aware that these companies will sell their items for profit and charities will not benefit from their generosity."

If a householder has any doubts can contact the Charity Commission's helpline on 0870 333 0123 to check whether the collection is for, or on behalf of, a registered charity.

No-one was available for comment from Byronswell despite telephone and e-mail requests.