HALTON residents are being warned not to hand over clothing to people claiming to recycle them on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Officials say this fundraising is not genuine and the money raised is not being passed onto the charity.

Organisations have been distributing clothing recycling bags with the trust’s old red, white and blue logo, without the charity’s permission.

The trust warns that these clothing collection requests are not real and anyone carrying them out is doing so illegally. The charity is helping police with their inquiries into these activities.

Iain Mcandrew, director of income generation at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “We are very grateful to all those who support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and help raise vital funds for research.

“Unfortunately, charities sometimes fall victim to criminal activity which is extremely damaging to the public’s confidence and could affect their willingness to continue with their generous support.

“We have reason to believe that our old charity sacks carrying the old red, white and blue Cystic Fibrosis Trust logo are in circulation. These are no longer our official bags and should be disposed of immediately.

"Anyone who is in any doubt about the recycling bags they receive should contact the charities concerned to ensure that they are genuine.”

The trust is now calling on residents to provide them with any information they have about the disused sacks by emhttp://recycling@cysticfibrosis.org.ukailing them at recycling@cysticfibrosis.org.uk or by contacting Cheshire police on 101.

If you wish to support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust through their online recycling scheme, please visit clothesforcharity.org.uk. Money goes towards developing better treatments and investing in cutting edge research to help beat cystic fibrosis for good.

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