A WARNING has been issued to householders over door-to-door collections of unwanted clothes and other items.

An organisation called the Angels of Mercy has delivered leaflets and large plastic bags throughout Hartlepool asking for donations of items such as clothes, shoes and curtains to "help clothe the less fortunate".

However, no address or charity number has been provided, and the only contact information provided is a mobile telephone number that has proved to be unobtainable.

Investigations have revealed that the Angels of Mercy were involved in similar activities in another part of the UK earlier this year, and on that occasion the telephone number provided belonged to a woman who had never heard of them.

Now, it is feared local charities which rely heavily on the generosity and goodwill of people in Hartlepool could be hit.

Ian Harrison, Hartlepool Borough Council's principal licensing officer, said: "Anyone carrying out house-to-house collections of either money or other articles requires approval from the council.

"The Angels of Mercy have not approached us for this permission."

Anyone with any information about the Angels of Mercy is asked to contact the council's licensing team on (01429) 523354.