AN old age pensioner has been conned out of £300 he had been saving to give his family for Christmas.

The 85-year-old from Peto Grove, Westwood, was swindled out of his festive cash when he let a man posing as a water board employee into his home on Saturday, November 24.

The conman asked the householder to go into the kitchen to test the water while he stayed in the living room and looted the man's home.

PC Gary Jones of Bradford on Avon police said: "We are warning everyone to be on their guard, especially at this time of year.

"The man had been saving the money to give to his family at Christmas and now he won't be able to do that.

"We take a dim view of distraction burglaries."

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Bradford on Avon Police on (01225) 864062.