PEOPLE in York looking for cut-price holidays in the sun have been warned to watch out for bogus companies.

Trading standards bosses at City of York Council are urging people to beware following reports of a series of phone calls to residents advising them that they had won a "free" holiday. All they have to do to claim the vacation is attend a local presentation. But trading standards officers revealed that when there, claimants could face high pressure sales techniques to sign contracts to join holiday clubs.

They are marketed as flexible alternatives to timeshare, promising a lifetime of luxury discounted holiday anywhere in the world.

While some are genuine, council bosses are warning that others are promising more than they can deliver. They say unscrupulous clubs often only provide last-minute, limited availability accommodation that is usually low-star rather than luxury.

With the addition of expensive flights, supplements and taxes, these deals could end up costing more than holidays booked through normal routes.

York trading standards has pledged its support for a campaign which aims to protect consumers from rogue holiday clubs.

The campaign, launched by the Office of Fair Trading, aims to draw attention to unscrupulous holiday clubs that deliberately deceive consumers and pressurise them into membership.

Liz Levett, trading standards manager, said: "Unlike timeshare deals, holiday clubs are not covered by the legal protection of a 14-day cooling-off period.

"The free holiday rarely turns out to be free once non-refundable administration charges, supplements and taxes are added.

"We would urge York residents to follow the advice issued by the Office of Fair Trading - do not go to presentations."

Consumers wanting advice are urged to contact trading standards on 01904 551562 before signing anything.

Updated: 11:08 Friday, April 04, 2003