Leaflets from a company called Valewall Ltd have been delivered to houses in Grove Street, calling for "urgently needed clothing" for third world countries.

But internet reports state the company, which is registered in Birmingham, was struck off last May last and has dissolved.

Grove Street resident Coun James Taylor said some of his elderly neighbours had been putting out large bin liners full of clothes for Valewall to collect.

He said: "They're better taking it down to their local church or charity shop, then you know it's going to the right place."

Trading Standards' divisional manager David Lodge urged people who receive such leaflets to read the small print.

He said: "They might sail a bit close to the wind but there is nothing illegal about what they're doing unless they're purporting to be a charity.

"But there are enough registered charities out there – if you want to give to charity give it to one you have heard of."