A TEENAGER who thwarted bogus gas officials has been praised by police.

The 13-year-old girl was home alone in the North Road area of Darlington when the crooks called on Wednesday afternoon.

They claimed to be officials and she immediately asked to see some ID.

When they refused, she closed the door and would not allow them entry, then called the police.

Inspector Dennis Dixon, from Darlington police, said: "We'd like to offer our praise for the way she dealt with this situation.

"It was an excellent piece of forethought by the 13-year-old. We do regularly warn people that if so-called officials turn up without ID you do not let them in. She has obviously taken that message to heart."

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at about 4.45pm, should call police on (01325) 467681.