EAST Lancashire eateries have been warned not to bite if they are offered worthless certificates in a quality grading con.

Trading standards officers say that restaurants, take-aways and chip shops are being asked to pay £20 for a 'Millennium Award of Distinction for Excellence' by the 'Supreme Council of the Hotel and Restaurant Academy."

The bogus organisation writes from Academy House, which is actually an ordinary suburban property in Hertfordshire. It claims to have carried out an extensive survey following which the establishment has been selected as a winner. And it also promises listing in a future publication.

But County Councillor Chris Cheetham has warned local businesses not to waste money on the worthless offer.

"Businesses offered these awards are usually picked at random from the telephone directory and no quality checks have been made," said Coun Cheetham.

"The schemes are simply aimed at making money for the promoters who are, in effect, selling pieces of paper for £20 each."

Anyone contacted by the organisation is urged to pass on the information to their local trading standards office.