POLICE are investigating an audacious fraud at a car boot sale raising money for a school last Saturday.

The event, held in Bedale Hall Park, Bedale, North Yorkshire, to raise funds for Bedale High School, was marred when two tricksters took money from traders under false pretences.

School officials arriving to collect money from traders for their pitches discovered that the event had already been visited before 8am by a man and woman who were handed between £5 and £10 by each of 40 car owners.

The woman was described as tanned and aged about 30, with dark hair tied in a pony tail and prominent front teeth.

The male was about 5ft 10in, with thinning grey hair and was in his late fifties.

Police said the pair were very confident and, when questioned by traders, knew the event was being held for the school, and even commented that they were "collecting the money early".

Investigating officer PC Peter Taylforth said: "Every victim we've spoken to has expressed their disgust that money intended for a good cause has been taken in this way.

"The car boot sales have been taking place for 13 years and no similar incident has been reported in that time."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01609) 783131.