A ROGUE gang of charity tricksters is duping Bolton residents into handing over clothes - and then selling them for huge profits.

The conmen have posted leaflets to homes across the town asking for clothes and shoes which they say will be sent to the Third World.

But the Bolton Evening News has learned that the gang, which operates under the name Ecotex Collection Ltd, ships clothes to eastern Europe, where they are sold.

At least four residents in the Halliwell area yesterday left bags for collection outside their homes after the lilac-coloured leaflets were posted to homes in roads around Rushey Fold Lane, Darwin Street and St Thomas Street.

Under the words 'Third World Clothing Collection', the leaflets asks: 'Can you spare any of your unwanted clothes which will be sent to the Third World where the garments will be carefully sorted and worn again.' The gang claim to be a registered company but their company number relates to a Coventry-based firm which was dissolved in 2004, according to national business register Companies House.

By calling itself a limited company, Ecotex Collection is in breach of Section 34 of the Companies Act 1985.

Bolton Trading Standards and the Charity Commission today condemned the bogus charity and warned residents only to donate clothes to recognised charities.

One woman, who lives in Darwin Street, but asked not to be named, said: 'This is the second time we have had leaflets from these people and I wanted to get rid of some clothes, which I thought would be going to a good cause.

"I think it's disgusting that someone would exploit goodwill to make money like this."

The woman took her bag off the doorstep - but others, at houses where there was no answer, remained to be collected.

An investigation by a BBC reporter last year found that a satellite tracking device planted in bags to be collected by Ecotex Collection Ltd was traced to Kiev in Ukraine after being taken abroad by another company linked to Ecotex Collection Ltd.

Richard Lindley, head of Bolton Trading Standards, said: "Because they don't operate as a charity and they don't always say these goods will be given away, they are difficult to regulate.

"They are not registered charities and people should stay clear of them.

"Obviously there is a danger that people will stop giving to any charities who collect from doorsteps, and many do it legitimately, but anyone who is in doubt can check with the Charity Commission."

A spokesman for the Charity Commission said there was no figure for the total amount of money scams like Ecotex Collection Ltd were believed to cost legitimate charities each year.

"Households should be on their guard against commercial companies that are using the impression of charity to get clothes which are then sold for profit," said the spokesman.

The validity of any charities can be checked through the Charity Commission helpline on 0845 3000 218.