AN INCREASE in the number of fake £50 notes has led North Yorkshire Police to urge the public to ensure their cash is legitimate.

All genuine bank notes - whether on polymer or paper - will be of high print quality, with sharp lines and colours, clear and free from smudges or blurred edges, ‘Bank of England’ printed in raised print, microlettering of the denomination below the Queen’s portrait and will react to ultraviolet light.

New £5 and £10 polymer notes have a see-through window with a portrait of the Queen, foil patches which show the written denomination of the note, and a 3D image of the coronation crown.

To find out more, go to bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes

Information on the use or production of fake notes should be passed via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.