TRADING standards chiefs have issued a warning over a circular which promises £5,000 in return for payment of a £20 cheque.

The circular, from a Dutch company, was sent to a County Durham pensioner, who delivered it to The Northern Echo.

It states that a claims number has been matched by the company and if the winner sends a cheque in payment he or she will receive £5,000.

It adds that the offer is not part of a contest or a sweepstake and the cash payout is guaranteed to anyone who applies.

Peter Fleming, divisional manager at Durham County Council's consumer services department, said: "We would advise people to think long and hard before they think about sending money off for anything like this.

"We have come across similar things to this before where people are asked to put money upfront in expectation that they will get a cash payment and inevitably it turns out to be a scam."

Anyone who is concerned about receiving such a circular should contact the consumer protection department on 0191-386 4411.