A SCHEME to protect elderly residents from bogus officials has been launched in Bolton.

Pensioners across the town are being issued with Safeguard Cards to display in the windows of their homes.

The scheme is aimed at encouraging residents to think about their own personal safety and not to fall victim to conmen and women.

As well as offering advice to residents about bogus officials, the cards also serve to warn callers that the householder has been instructed not to accept calls from strangers at the door and to ask for identification.

They are warned that without ID, they may have to make a written appointment to call back later.

The scheme, which has been organised by Bolton Police, was launched at St James's School, Lucas Road, Farnworth, where pupils presented cards to Age Concern representatives.

Cards are to be handed out to all secondary school pupils in the town to pass on to their elderly relatives and neighbours.

Mary Harrison, scheme administrator, said: "As Christmas approaches, it is an ideal time to remind elderly people of important personal safety to help prevent them becoming a victim of bogus officials.

"We hope that by distributing the cards to school pupils, it will also help the youngsters to forge relationships with elderly people."

The safeguard cards will also be available at most police stations in the Bolton area.