FORGED Scottish £20 notes are in circulation in Worcestershire.

Buyers have used or tried to use the notes in Worcester city, Malvern Hills and Wychavon districts so they can pocket the change. A police spokesman said: "If at all suspicious, counter staff should refuse to accept the note and contact us immediately, giving a description of the person involved and - if possible - making a note of any vehicle they are using."

Counter-staff should be wary if someone is trying to use a high denomination note to buy something very cheap, say police.

Traders can use ultra-violet marker pens or screening devices to check all bank notes.

The incidents happened at:* The One-Stop Shop, Poolbrook Road, Malvern, on Wednesday, June 27, when two white men obtained cigarettes and change using two forged Scottish £20 notes. The incident number is 412S/270607.

* The Evesham Hotel, Coopers Lane, Evesham, on Saturday, June 30, when a man bought a pint of beer, left the drink on the bar to smoke in the garden and never returned. The incident number is 495S/300607.

* Cooks Garden Nursery, Worcester Road, Stourport-on-Severn, on Tuesday, July 3, when a member of staff refused to accept the note and the man left. The incident number is 361S/030707.

* Barnett Hill Landscapes, Countryside Nurseries, Crossway Green, near Stourport, also on Tuesday, July 3, where a man in a silver Renault Clio left with about £18 after using a forged note.

Anyone with information about any the offences should call police on 08457 444888, quoting the given reference numbers, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.