CHARITY donors are being warned after complaints of rogue collectors happening in the north of the county.

Cherwell District Council has issued a warning regarding fraudulent collection bags being delivered to households.

The council urged anyone thinking of donating to read the fine print on any bags, ensuring it includes the name of a reputable charity and state the percentage of funds that is donated to the organisation.

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Charities that collect second-hand items, or cash, on the street or door-to-door need to be authorised by the council. Some organisations often give nothing to charity or even legitimate groups can give just a very small percentage.

Cherwell District Council lead member for health and wellbeing Andrew McHugh said: “The people of Cherwell district have a generous and giving spirit, so it’s shocking to think that there are some rogue operations out there diverting funds from donations given in good faith for their own ends.

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"In most cases the most effective way to donate unwanted clothes or other goods to charity will be to use a donation bank or to visit a charity shop and hand them over to a member of staff in person.

"If you are going to donate using a charity bag that has been dropped off at your house, I would urge you to read the fine print. Check that it is indeed a charitable organisation and if it is, that you are happy with the proportion of funds that is going to charity."

You can check a collection with the council on 01295 753744