GREEDY children are depriving a cash-strapped Lostock Hall charity of vital funds after taking to the streets and impersonating genuine collectors.

Bosses at St Catherine's Hospice say they a concerned by the 'significant' number of calls and complaints they have received about youngsters apparently conducting door-to-door collections across the South Ribble area, allegedly saying the represent St Catherine's Hospice.

The charity, which needs to raise £3 per minute just to keep going, has received no money from these collectors.

Hospice bosses are now worried the youngsters' antics are not only depriving the charity of much-needed funds, but also damage the centre's carefully cultivated reputation. Spokesman John Nickson said: "Like many charities, we don't carry out door-to-door collections and we are worried people may get the impression that we let children roam the streets collecting money. We don't."

This racket is one of a number of bogus scams currently hitting the takings of local charities. Incidents of bogus street collections have already been reported, along with conmen ringing firms offering them advertising space in a magazine which will benefit unidentified 'cancer charities'.

Mr Nickson added: "We would urge people to call us if they are worried about someone who is collecting for us. Our fund-raisers are carefully selected, and carry identification. We don't use children or go on door-to-door knocks.

"I would much rather people call us to check a query rather than hand over money and feel unsure about giving money."

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