A CONMAN claiming to be a social services officer persuaded an 86-year-old Padiham pensioner to hand over £100 for damp-proofing work, after he talked his way into her Russell Terrace home.

He gave her a bogus telephone contact number and promised to return to carry out the work. Later the woman found her purse containing £170 was also missing.

Today Detective Sergeant Steve Mounsey of Burnley police appealed for other householders to be on their guard against bogus callers and to insist on identification. He said the man, aged around 30 years was 5ft 7in, with fair mousey short hair and was wearing a blue boiler suit.

He visited the pensioner's home at around 4.30pm yesterday.

Police today issued another alert over bogus callers offering mobile telephones for £10.99 -- taking cash on the doorstep and not returning with the phones.

Sgt Mounsey said one man was already being questioned but police were anxious to hear from anyone who had been approached or had any knowledge of the offers. Contact PC Paula Hopkinson on 01282 425001.