A 90-year-old woman from Nelson had hundreds of pounds taken from her bank account after a bogus workman stole her purse.

Today, police urged residents to be on their guard and never employ tradesmen calling door to door.

A man called round to the house in Highgate on Wednesday and told the woman her gutters needed clearing out and used ladders to clean them. The following night he called again at 8pm, this time taking a young woman with him.

He said he had carried out further repairs and needed paying for the work. His accomplice took the victim upstairs to show her what had been done, leaving the man alone downstairs.

The woman then asked to use the bathroom and the pair left. When they had gone, the woman realised her purse, containing a cash card and pension card, had been stolen and £570 was subsequently withdrawn from her bank account.

Sgt John Fryer said: "If anybody comes knocking at your door say 'no'. A reputable tradesman, you would ring up. If they are coming knocking at your door, they are not reputable. If they were, they wouldn't need to.

"Some will turn up and start doing work without even asking and if that's the case, ring the police and don't open the door."

The man is described as white, in his early 30s, six foot, with dark hair and a local accent.

The woman was white, in her early 20s, 5ft 2ins, with long blonde hair. The pair may have been using a white van.

Anyone with information should contact Nelson police on 01282 425001.