DURHAM City Council has signed an agreement to regulate the operation of new-style charity fundraisers.

More charities are turning to teams, often employed by professional fundraising firms, who ask people in the street to sign up for direct debit contributions.

Unlike the traditional 'tin rattling' form of fundraising, there are no legal controls.

But there is concern in some cities about this type of operation and many charities and fundraising firms have signed up to a code of conduct promoted by the Public Fundraising Association.

The code bans manipulative or high-pressure approaches and rules that any approach is ended 'in a polite and respectful manner' if it is rebuffed.

The agreement with the council sets out where in the city centre this type of fund-raising can take place.

If fundraisers breach the agreement they can be fined by the association.

Anyone with a complaint should make it within 48 hours. The authority has 72 hours to report any complaint to the association.

A council spokesman said there have been complaints about high-pressure techniques, but none in Durham.

"If anybody has a problem with direct debit fundraisers they should contact us with the details and we will take it up with the body.

"We will act on any complaints we receive."