POLICE are calling for vigilance after an elderly lady was duped out of £500 by two men who offered to do some gardening work for her.

The 83-year-old woman from Sutton Veny agreed a price of £200 with the men to do some garden maintenance on Monday.

After a few hours work and having cut the tops off two trees the men gave her a bill for £700. The pensioner then gave the two men a cheque for the full sum and contacted the police to investigate.

Acting Sergeant Simon Cowdrey said: "This is a difficult situation because in theory the elderly lady had entered into a verbal agreement with these men but the amount they charged is still unacceptable.

"People should be on their guard and keep an eye out for their neighbours.

"In a situation like this Trading Standards is the best group to contact and in some cases it may be able to trace the money."

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the two men or the vehicle they were using around the village of Sutton Veny on Monday to contact them on (01985) 847000.