A CHARITY has warned pensioners not to be taken in by bogus callers who are using their name to try to secure a sale.

Hyndburn Homewise, based in Whalley Road, Accrington, has revealed pensioners have received calls asking them to buy a new kitchen. But the charity, which helps people with advice and grants for homes, said the calls had nothing to do with them.

Homewise has a list of reputable workmen for people who want jobs done.

Manager Sue Sinclair said: "Apparently, there is a firm ringing pensioners posing as Homewise and trying to sell kitchens. Over the last couple of weeks we have had four calls telling us about this. It's nothing to do with Hyndburn Homewise. It's probably just a kitchen firm trying to sell kitchens."

PC Richard Green, part of Hyndburn Council's community safety partnership, said: "People should double check the caller's identity but don't ring the number they give you. Check the phone book for the company and ring that number."

A spokesman for Age Concern Hyndburn said: "If in any doubt about callers, older people should not hesitate to seek advice. We will always make every attempt to support older people and, if possible, will attempt to verify the validity of callers. The best advice is, if in doubt keep them out."