A £350 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a conman who robs pensioners homes after posing as a council worker.

The reward has been put up by charity Crimestoppers which says the man has visited a number of homes in Burnley and Padiham, telling elderly residents he is checking on minor repairs and implying the council may carry out the work free of charge.

He was disturbed trying to steal property at two houses, but at two others he stole cash and other items.

The conman is described as white, possibly in his early 20s, between 5' 2" and 5' 6" tall, very slim, with a thin face, pale complexion, and short dark hair. He wore dark clothing and possibly spoke with an Irish accent.

Other descriptions put the man as being in his 40s, similar description, but wearing a flat cap -- leading police to suspect there may be more than one offender.