PILGRIMS from East Lancashire preparing for this year's Hajj are being warned to be wary of rogue travel agents Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards service, Lancashire Council of Mosques and Lancashire Police have joined forces to offer advice on avoiding being ripped off.

County Coun Janice Hanson, cabinet member for public protection, said: “Don't let your trip of a lifetime turn into a nightmare.

“The fraudulent deals are carefully designed to look like you're getting a bargain but our advice is that if something appears too good to be true then it probably is.

“The best way to avoid a problem is to check the credentials of the travel agent or tour operator – if an operator has an Air Travel Organiser's License (ATOL) you can claim your money back if they close down.

“Some tour operators specialising in Hajj packages are unlicensed and are breaking UK law by not providing legal protection for travellers.”