BOGUS council workers stole hundreds of pounds from a woman in her 90s after conning their way into her Blackburn home.

One of the conmen, wearing a fluorescent jacket and carrying a clipboard, called at the home in Progress Avenue, Little Harwood, and asked for access to the woman's back garden.

He told her that he needed to place a cone at the back of her house ahead of some rubbish being removed.

But while the woman walked him through, an accomplice sneaked inside and searched the house.

He found hundreds and pounds worth of cash and made off.

The other man then made his excuses and left.

The incident happened between 10am and 11am on Thursday.

Inspector Claire Holbrook added: "These people tend to work in pairs and it is apparent that while residents might pay close attention to the individual calling at the door, they often fail to realise that a second offender is taking advantage of the distraction."

Peter Hunt, director of the environment department at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, added: "All council staff carry identification on them and will be wearing corporate clothing with the council logo."

The man who posed as a council worker was described as white, aged 30 to 35, of large build and with short, slightly curly, sandy hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.