A COMPANY claiming to collect unwanted goods for people in the third world is once again targeting homes in west Wiltshire.

Helpmates Limited has posted fliers through the front doors of homes in in Warminster and Trowbridge asking residents to leave bags of unwanted items of clothing, towels and cosmetics outside on a specific day so they can be sent to people in developing countries.

However the company is unlicensed to collect for charities and as such there are no controls on where the donations go.

This means items can be sold on for profit by the people behind the operation.

Trowbridge town and district councillor Graham Payne, who lives in Dursley Road, received a leaflet through his door on Monday.

He said: "I think people should recycle these leaflets and never give any donations of clothes to an organisation that does not leave a bag for them to be collected in."

Earlier this year homes in Melksham and Trowbridge were targeted with leaflets, and Wiltshire Trading Standards warned people at the time that it was better to deal with an established charity shop in order to make sure donations do actually go to charity.

If anybody wants to check whether a collection is for or on behalf of a registered charity, they can call the Charity Commission's helpline on 0870 3330123.