FOOTBALL legend Jack Charlton is heading a campaign to crack down on bogus callers.

The World Cup hero is supporting a Northumbrian Water scheme to highlight conmen who pose as employees of the company.

Together with Cleveland Police and Hartlepool Water, the three organisations have produced a sticker to be distributed to vulnerable people.

It should be put in their homes to remind them to protect themselves and their property. The sticker lists telephone numbers of companies who are likely to call at people's homes.

Residents are encouraged to check the identity of callers by ringing the organisation they claim to be from.

Mr Charlton said: "Some people are very trusting and let strangers into their homes. Unfortunately, in this day and age, you cannot trust everyone.

"If the person standing on your doorstep is a stranger, regardless of where they say they are from, check and double-check their identity."

The sticker will be accompanied by a Northumbrian Water leaflet giving simple steps people should follow when someone calls.

The leaflet will be distributed throughout Northumbrian Water's area.

Through the Doorstoppers campaign, The Northern Echo is campaigning for an end to doorstep traders.