THE infamous Richard Hillman has been accused of sticking the knife into the back of local financial advisers.

Blackburn finance specialist Nick Thompson claimed the soap star's murderous antics on 'Killer Corrie' is ruining their reputations.

Nick, of Blackburn and Bury-based DTE Financial Services, believes 'Tricky Dicky' has made financial advisers seem untrustworthy at a time when they can be of most benefit to the public.

"With the recent Coronation Street storyline, the plight of the financial adviser has never been worse," he said.

"What with falling investments, endowments not on track and the pensions mis-selling fiasco, our job has never been more challenging.

"Richard Hillman's admittedly far-fetched antics on 'The Street' have only made that perception worse."

"However, in the current uncertain economic climate of pensions shortfalls, savings gaps and a falling stockmarket, this is exactly the time when a financial adviser is most needed."

Nick admitted that there had been some disreputable members of the financial services industry, but stressed that these represented only a tiny minority.

He added: "In the past, there have been advisers who would have sold a product purely for the level of commission without a thought for their client's circumstances or attitude to risk.

"I am pleased to say that over recent years, our regulatory body, the Financial Services Authority, has really tightened up on best practice procedure, ensuring more protection for clients."

A recent industry-wide survey on attitudes to financial advisers suggested that the general perception was none too glowing.

Nevertheless, when asked about their own adviser, the reaction was very favourable.

Many people said they trusted their adviser and would be happy to recommend him or her to a friend.