COLD-HEARTED conmen have tricked an elderly Aston Fields pensioner out of £500 for work on his driveway.

The Finstall Road victim, who is in his 90s, was driven to a town centre bank to withdraw the cash but after he handed over the money the work was never completed.

The incident happened last Wednesday (April 13) at about 3pm when a man called at the pensioner's house offering to clean the block-paved drive for £20.

After the man agreed two other workmen started cleaning and pulling out weeds.

A fourth man, who appeared to be in charge, then arrived and said they could seal the drive and offer a 12-year guarantee for the work for £500.

He drove the victim into town to get the money and the pensioner was taken back in another car by the man who first approached him.

He then handed over the money but the extra work was not completed.

Detective Constable Dave Clews: "We want people to be aware of this and warn their elderly relatives and neighbours to be vigilant.

"Although the victim was not threatened or hurt in any way he is very distressed to have been tricked in this manner and we are keen that no one else becomes a victim of this heartless group," he added.

DC Clews said the two vehicles involved were a dark blue people carrier type and the second car had sections of light blue on it.

The men left a flyer at the man's house from Clean Drives in Liverpool but this company has confirmed it does not have any workmen in the area.

The first offender is described as being a white man, 20 to 25 years old, 5ft 9ins-10ins tall with a slim build and short dark hair. He wore grey trousers and a shirt and spoke with a local accent.

The fourth man, the last to arrive, is white 40 to 45 years old and a large build. He was wearing navy blue suit trousers, a shirt and waistcoat to match the suit.

The other two are white and 35 to 40 years old.

Anyone with information should contact Bromsgrove CID on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bromsgrove and District Age Concern chief officer Keith Sherman said the loss of money was an inconvenience but the loss of confidence could never be replaced.

He added: "Someone's loss in confidence of their ability to manage their own life is very damaging, some people can never forgive themselves for being conned."

The group has a leaflet giving older residents advice about tradespeople and includes a list of workers who have been checked out.

Advice for dealing with tradespeople includes asking for written confirmation of the agreed cost for the work before it starts and not paying for work until customers are satisfied with it.