UNSCRUPULOUS traders have been going door-to-door in North Yorkshire offering to buy gold, council officials bosses have warned.

North Yorkshire County Council says its trading standards teams are aware of three separate cases of cold-calling in the Northallerton and Selby areas. People have been asked if they have gold items for sale, but it’s feared residents could be pressurised into selling items for less than their true value and are not being notified of the statutory cooling-off periods.

Coun Chris Metcalfe, executive member for trading standards, said: “Our advice regarding doorstep traders has always been clear – do not deal with them.

“We are particularly concerned about these traders flouting laws which have been put in place specifically to protect the public and ensure a fair trading environment.”

He said gold prices had soared but urged people to seek professional valuations