THOSE seeking compensation like the horrible Cilla from Coronation Street should think twice.

In a recent storyline the Street's newest mighty mouth was after enough money from Rita at the Kabin, to pay for a holiday in Florida after she wacked her young son, Chesney, round the head.

She was forced to relent in the end -- but taking legal action to gain compo can be a difficult business.

Leigh's trading standards officers report they are receiving an increasing number of calls from residents who have been approached by legal firms to undertake claims on a no-win no-fee basis.

But they should remember there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Some firms are targetting former miners in the Leigh area to see if they want to make some cash, in other cases people are approached in the streets by reps from claim specialists touting for business. They're a flipping nuisance advancing on anyone unlucky enough to be in plaster, bandages or with a limp.

Chief officer Alan Blundell says the most common misconception about no-win no-fee cases is that they don't cost the claimant a penny. This is not the case.

Anyone considering this route should seek some sound advice from the department first.