TWO men attempted to con an 89-year-old Corsham woman into writing out a cheque for £3,000.

The men sent the cheque to be cashed at a High Street bank outside the county but bank officials became suspicious at the large sum and contacted police.

"The woman does not want to be identified but she wants to warn other people against a similar con trick," said PC Jo Digby, of Corsham police.

On September 29 the men cut some branches from a tree in the woman's back garden, after knocking on her door and offering their services.

"The woman is partially sighted and when it came to payment one of the men offered to write out the cheque for her," said PC Digby. "But it was paid out for 100 times what the job was worth, charging thousands of pounds."

PC Digby said the woman could not see what the men looked like or how old they were but said they were friendly, though a bit pushy when talking about payment.

"We have a witness to question and are investigating the possibility that the men may be from outside Wiltshire," said PC Digby.

Anyone with information should call DC Debbie Smorthit at Chippenham CID on (01249) 654455.