DOORSTEP tricksters and conmen who prey on the elderly will find life more difficult if a new initiative goes to plan.

Age Concern -- helped by a £20,000 donation from gas company Transco -- is setting up five home safety projects, which will benefit more than 1,500 people across the North-west.

Some of the money will pay for safety devices such as door spy holes and window locks, and for staff to carry out gardening and maintenance work.

In addition, support workers will visit elderly people to tell them about their rights when faced with unexpected callers.

Jon Butterworth, director of Transco North-west, said: "It is a constant concern that our position of trust is abused by those with unscrupulous motives to con or burgle vulnerable people.

"We are please to be working with Age Concern on this initiative to help older people in the North-west feel safe."