BOGUS callers have been banished from three villages south of Selby, and residents have been given packs with information on checking callers are genuine.

No cold calling zones have been set up in Whitley, Eggborough and Kellington, to protect residents from unsolicited callers.

Coun John Fort, the county council's trading standards boss, said: "The cold calling system puts undue pressure on householders by having someone knocking at their door, often at dusk, trying to get them to buy something or have work done.

"We believe that no cold calling zones like this will send out a clear signal to those people who operate like this that they are not welcome in this area.

"Reputable traders can easily make contact by other means and can then be invited by the householders if they so wish."

North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards service has been working in partnership with North Yorkshire Police and Community Safety Partnerships to create the zones across the county.

The scheme is intended to deter bogus callers and high pressure salesmen. Its introduction follows reports to the police of bogus officials and cowboy builders targeting elderly residents.

And Selby's Community Safety Partnership has produced telephone containing information and practical advice for residents.

Cat Bradshaw, of the partnership, said the mat listed essential telephone numbers of utility companies, police and trading standards, enabling residents to quickly and easily make a call to check if a caller is genuine.

She said genuine callers would not mind their identity being checked with the relevant organisation.

Coun Wally Norton, Selby District Council's deputy leader and community safety champion, said: "An important part of the work of the Community Safety Partnership is to reduce the fear of crime and these zones - and bogus caller packs - help to do just that.

"While Selby remains a low crime area, we do sometimes hear of unscrupulous household callers and it is important that we support local communities to protect themselves against such people.

"The bogus caller packs produced by the Community Safety Partnership give people an easy reference to check that callers are indeed who they say they are."

Anyone who feels that their neighbourhood would benefit from being in a no cold calling zone should phone trading standards on 08454 040506.

If you would like an information mat, phone Cat Bradshaw on 01757 292215.