AN elderly Winchcombe man was conned into paying £80 to have some weed killer poured on his driveway.

The 88-year-old had a visit from a man yesterday at about 2pm who claimed to be there on behalf of the homeowner’s regular gardener and said he had come to treat the driveway with weedkiller.

He spent 15 minutes with a watering can treating the drive, before insisting upon £80 in cash for the work.

Later on, enquiries with the homeowner’s regular gardener found there was no link with the strange caller.

It is possible the stranger had also called at the house on Wednesday afternoon, as a black Toyota Hilux was seen reversing out of the homeowner’s driveway.

The stranger was described as being a white man, in his 50s, with a dark complexion and short dark hair.

He was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt, and was of stocky build.

Police are very keen to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area, or who has been visited by the same man.

Anyone who can help the investigation should ring police on 101 quoting incident number 79 of August 31.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org. A reward of up to £1,000 may be paid for information leading to a conviction.

Officers would like to remind homeowners, particularly the elderly, to be on their guard against cold callers and never feel pressurised into engaging their services or paying money to them.