ALCESTER residents are urged to be on their guard if leaflets are posted through their doors asking for donations of clothing.

Warwickshire Trading Stand-ards is concerned some householders may mistakenly believe they are from a registered charity.

In some cases, clothing collections are being organised by private traders, with the items collected and sold for profit.

Head of Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Mark Ryder said: "Not everyone who comes to your home or drops in a plastic bag is operating on behalf of a charity. Some collectors will be businesses asking for unwanted items which can be sold for profit."

Residents should either give donations directly to a charity shop, use a charity clothing bank or donate via a charity shop collection sack, which should carry the charity's registration number. Many will also carry the Association of Charity Shops kitemark.

Call the Charity Commission on 0845 3000 218 to check whether a collection is on behalf of a registered charity or visit www.charity-commission.gov.uk For more information, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards