POLICE are appealing for Gwent people to ignore a time-wasting text message scam affecting a helpline.

Volunteers at the GAY-GLOS helpline, which offers advice and support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, have received many calls recently from people who receive a text message asking them to call their 01452 306 800 number.

Messages include "please call me urgently, my battery has run out" and "I'm out of credit, please call me."

These calls prevent genuine calls getting through and divert volunteers' attention away from where it is needed.

Police are asking anyone who receives these messages to ignore them.