Durham County Council's trading standards service is working with police and neighbourhood watch schemes to develop the first pilot zone.

The aim is to deter unwanted doorstep callers and includes street signs and window stickers warning traders away.

The move follows a number of recent incidents, some of which have resulted in personal banking details being conned out of residents.

Don Ross, deputy leader of Durham County Council, said: "We always say stop, think and be sceptical about anyone contacting you and claiming you have won something."