"GENUINE diamond jewellery" promised by an American company was found to contain just a speck of industrial diamond worth less than £1.

And Lancashire trading standards officers say that the sewing machines offered as free prizes by the firm were only hand-stitching kits worth 80p.

They have received at least 15 complaints from people targeted by mail from the Premium Distribution Centre stating they have been selected as prize winners.

The company, which claims to be based in Bohemia, New York State, tempts people with the sparkling prospect of owning diamonds if they send off £19.90 postage costs.

Amy Cowburn, of Milton Street, Oswaldtwistle, contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph when she received a letter saying she had won. Out of four possible gifts listed - a television set, a sewing machine, a camcorder and a dishwasher - she was told she had been awarded a sewing machine.

If she sent the money in the space of a week, she would also get the diamond jewellery.

But Jim Potts, chief trading standards officer at the County Council said: "The items are worth considerably less than the cost of the postage.

"Between 15 and 20 complaints have been brought to our attention about this company and we are collecting the letters.

"If the forms are sent off, people may find that the items are returned. But we want everyone to be aware that they are very low in value."

When the Lancashire Evening Telegraph attempted to contact the company, we were told by directory inquiries that they had received many similar inquiries but the firm was not registered and was thought to be "bogus".

Anyone receiving the mail should send it to Trading Standards, either at 11 Finsley Gate, Burnley, BB1 2HA, or 55 Guild Hall Street, Preston, PR1 3NU.

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