RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a 93-year-old man was persuaded to buy three fake leather coats in Stockton Heath.

The elderly resident parked in The Forge car park, on October 15, before engaging in conversation with a man, who offered to sell him three 'leather jackets'.

It was claimed he 'didn't want to take them back on the flight home' with him.

The 93-year-old didn't have sufficient cash with him but the unknown male accompanied him to a cash machine in the village.

The man settled for £30 for the three coats – but wanted more money.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for public protection, slammed the conman.

She said: "It's despicable that someone would take advantage of such a trusting man.

"In this instance the bargain wasn't what it appeared as the coats are of poor quality and certainly aren't leather.

"If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is."

Peter Astley, assistant director for regulation and protection, added: "Officers from trading standards are continuing their investigation to identify who this unknown male was and, while the financial loss could have been a lot worse, it's always of great concern when unscrupulous traders accompany people to the cash point or bank to withdraw money.

"It is fortunate that the gentleman told his wife and daughter what had happened and his daughter reported it to my team."

Anybody approached by someone offering items for sale in unusual circumstances is urged to report it to trading standards on 0345 404 0506.