Bogus chairty collectors have been operating in Shropshire

West Mercia Police said one female suspect woman had been calling at homes in Shrewsbury claiming to be from the BBC's Children in Need.

A spokesman for the County Air Ambulance confirmed that some of its regular supporters had also been the target of an elaborate scam.

A police spokesperson said all genuine charity collectors had identification.

He added that the woman in Shrewsbury had no collector's permit and was putting the money collected into a sock.

Paul Weir is the fundraising development manager for the local air ambulance.

He said fraudsters had been using the charity's name to try and get sensitive information, including bank details, from potential donors.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where unscrupulous individuals and criminal organisations target charities... resulting in the loss of hundreds of pounds to good causes Paul Weir of the County Air Ambulance

He said the charity had a policy of no 'cold calling' and advised people to contact the official County Air Ambulance Charity before planning a fundraising event.