POLICE have received reports of a possible bogus charity collector operating in Malvern.

A woman claiming to be collecting for the Children in Need appeal has been going from door-to-door this week asking residents for money.

When challenged, she produced a paper saying Malvern Council, which does not exist, had authorised her to collect the money.

People who contacted Malvern Hills District Council to check the woman's claim were told it did not authorise door-to-door collections.

Beat manager PC Wendy Saunders said: "Initially, we need to clarify whether this lady is genuine.

"It's really awful saying you're collecting for Children in Need if you're not genuine."

Since Thursday, police have received five reports of the woman collecting in Geraldine Road, Arosa Drive, St Andrew's Road, Murren Avenue and Fruitlands.

She is described as about 50-years-old with greyish hair, dressed in fairly smart dark grey clothing and is quite well spoken.

She was holding either a yellow bucket or a red and white canister during the collections, three of which took place at around 7pm and one at 4.30pm.

PC Saunders asked the woman herself to contact police, in case there had been a misunderstanding.

Residents who see her collecting in their area are also urged to get in touch on 08457 444888, quoting 40S/18/11/05.