A WEST Devon village has recently been targeted by bogus door-to-door collectors claiming to be from the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

The Trust said it has had evidence of bogus collectors operating in the Bere Alston area, when their authorised lottery canvassers were told by numerous people that they had already been around asking for money.

The trust has been informed that a number of these bogus collectors, imitating Devon Air Ambulance canvassers, are operating across Devon.

Heléna Holt, chief executive of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said: 'Reports such as this cause us great concern.

'I would like to stress that we never ask for or collect cash on the doorstep.

'If someone knocks on your door and asks you for money for the air ambulance, they are not from Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

'Our canvassers all dress in branded clothing, plus they have a photo ID card, which should be highly visible on a lanyard around their neck.

'We are always more than happy for members of the public to ask to inspect these IDs or to call the charity to check that the collector is legitimate.'

Heléna said there was only one Air Ambulance Trust operating in Devon.

'We are very pleased that this matter is now being investigated by the police,' she said.

Anyone who is unsure about the authenticity of a collector can call the charity on 01392 466666 for verification.