A company called ANYA Limited has been distributing leaflets around Long Sutton asking residents to donate clothes, toys, cosmetics and perfumes.

South Holland District Council confirmed that the company is not registered to conduct a charitable collection.

Nigel Payne, community service manager, said: "Collections on behalf of a charity need to be registered with South Holland as a house to house collection.

"If the collection is for a company and is not for a charitable purpose they do not need to be registered.

"This particular company is not registered with us.

"If the collection is on behalf of a charity collectors will have a charity number and a permit issued by the district council.

"If residents are concerned they should contact us with information and we will liaise with the police and Trading Standards."

The yellow and white leaflet claims to be helping orphans with sponsorship ranging from cash donations to equipment and clothing.

Peter Heafield, head of Trading Standards, said: "These types of leaflet are sometimes used by what used to be called "rag and bone men".

"They are simply businesses taking clothes etc for recycling.

"This business may actually support organisations helping orphans and children but the degree to which they do so is not specified and residents are right to be somewhat sceptical."