Homeowners in Rutland have been warned to be on their alert for a phone fraudster.

A man has been ringing local people pretending to be from Rutland County Council and asking for personal information to be released so he can process a 'refund'.

The caller is clearly attempting a scam and a spokesperson for Rutland County Council confirmed this afternoon: "We will never ring you out of the blue to ask for personal data or bank details.

"If in doubt, ask the caller for their name, hang up and ring us on 01572 722577 to check if they really do work for us."