Local shoppers and businesses have been warned to look out for counterfeit bank notes during the run up to Christmas.

Crimestoppers, an anti-crime charity, said members of the public should keep an eye out for fake £20 and £50 notes when out shopping during the bustling festive period.

It was revealed that 237,000 worthless banknotes totalling almost £5m were taken off streets in the first half of this year, whilst experts suggested that one per cent of notes are fakes.

Counterfeit notes are often linked to serious and organised criminal gangs.

Any information on those making, selling or buying counterfeit notes can be reported Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-info.

Further information can be found on Crimestoppers’ web page