A VALE woman believes she was the victim of a "money-making scheme" after feeling pressured into buying £300 worth of fish from a trader who came to her home.

Sheila Jones, who lives in Offenham, was in Boat Lane, Evesham, when she was approached by a man who offered her the chance to buy some fresh fish.

She said: "The man said that he had just come down from Northumberland with a load of fresh fish and asked me if I wanted any. I was a bit reticent at first but when I had a look, they all looked nice and clean so I thought, why not?"

Mrs Jones then invited the man to follow her to her home so that he could drop off the goods but when the man arrived he brought in a box full of fish totalling 26 and a quarter pounds, far more than Mrs Jones says she asked for.

She added: "I told him that there was far too much there for one person, but he just said 'there was not all that much' and began to unload the lot into my freezer.

"I cant believe that I did it now but I wrote him two post-dated cheques for £150, both of which have since been cancelled. I have also had to buy another freezer as my old one is completely full."

Worcestershire County Council press officer Kate Bradley said: "People should beware of pressure selling techniques when purchasing on the doorstep and should remember that if they are in any doubt, don't buy. Sometimes it can be almost impossible to get your money back if something goes wrong.

"Always keep details of anything they give you and ask for paperwork, receipts and any information you might need to contact them in the future."