There have recently been a number of requests for donations of unwanted clothing, footwear and other household items in the village.  Householders are asked to leave the goods in a plastic bag by the door to be collected by the company.

These flyers give the impression that the items are being collected for charitable purposes and will be distributed in third world countries.  Some of these are genuine, but some are being organised by commercial companies and the flyers will say in small print that they will sell the donated items for profit.

It is estimated that the potential value of donated clothing and other items lost per annum to bogus collections is well over a million pounds per year.

Trading Standards issue the following guidance for householders:  If a company gives the impression, or states that they are a registered charity, you can contact the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218 or online with www.charity-commission.gov.uk to check whether or not the collector is registered.  Don't assume that any "registration number" given on the flyer is a charity number; it might just be a limited company number for Companies House purposes.

A charity shop collection should make clear reference to the charity registration number and many also carry the Association of Charity Shops kitemark.

If in doubt, give direct to a charity shop.  General advice about charity collections can be obtained from Trading Standards on 0845 4040506.