A BOGUS church official tricked his way into an elderly couple's home in Sidemoor and stole £1,000 after letting his partner in crime in through the front door.

The fraudster called at the house, in King George Close, on Friday and told the pair he was representing local churches, which were giving away flowers and chocolates to pensioners.

He talked to the victims in the kitchen before asking to use the toilet on the ground floor, which is when he is believed to have let a second man inside and up the stairs.

This man helped himself to suits from the wardrobe, and cash, pension and bank books were also taken from the ground floor.

The first man is white, aged 18 to 20, around 5ft6in tall, had short hair and a local accent.

His accomplice, also white, was around 26, about 5ft10in tall with short hair and described as 'foreign-looking.' The victims were a 78-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man, who is housebound following a road traffic accident years ago.

DC Brian Davies, of Bromsgrove CID, said: "The couple were greatly distressed and as far as they are concerned Christmas is over for them."

If you can help police with their enquiries call the town's CID unit on (01527) 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.