GENEROUS residents are being warned to be on the lookout for possible bogus charity collectors. Concern is growing that carefully worded leaflets pushed through letterboxes in the area asking for donations of clothing may be from commercial businesses rat

GENEROUS residents are being warned to be on the lookout for possible bogus charity collectors.Concern is growing that carefully worded leaflets pushed through letterboxes in the area asking for donations of clothing may be from commercial businesses rather than charities.North Somerset Council's trading standards officers say in many cases the clothing never reaches third world countries and little or no cash is given to charity.The goods are taken to a warehouse where the better quality items are picked out and sold at markets across the country for profit, trading standards experts have warned. The remaining clothes are usually burnt or otherwise destroyed.Under the House to House Collections Act, charities, including those with an exemption from the Home Office, must register or notify the council before organising a collection of goods.Executive member for environment and community, Cllr Deborah Yamanaka, said: "To be certain that your donation will directly help a charity seek out a local contact and deal with them. "If people can avoid being duped by these bogus collectors genuine charities can only benefit."To check whether a charity is registered to make collections contact the licensing section of the council on 01275 884373.