Bogus charity collectors are taking advantage of the public’s generosity in the wake of Christmas.

People in Horsforth are being warned to be on their guard against the bogus Christian Aid collectors who have been trying to con their victims into signing up for a direct debit.

The warning to local people appears in a newsletter produced by St Margaret’s church.

It says: “Some people posing as Christian Aid collectors wearing red shirts with the Christian Aid logo have been knocking on doors and asking people to sign up to a direct debit with Christian Aid.”

The article goes on: “Christian Aid does not operate in this way. If you are approached, do take the normal precautions and report the matter immediately to the police.”