THREE conmen, duping pensioners out of money by posing as charity workers are being described as "despicable" by a Newport fundraiser.

The men knocked on doors at an elderly people's complex in Ringland, Newport, on Thursday posing as representatives of St Anne's Hospice.

The charity said the men tried to sell items such as small torches and foot cream saying they were doing so on behalf of the charity and showed some form of badge but without a photograph.

One elderly lady, believed to be over the age of 80, handed over £70 to the men.

Her neighbour's son then contacted the hospice to check out the men and was told the hospice does not operate any door to door sales of any kind.

Terry Woodsford, fundraising business manager at St Anne's Hospice, said: "These individuals are taking advantage of vulnerable people in a despicable way."

He said the incident must have been quite intimidating for residents and said the scam has a potential damaging effect on the charity which has to raise about £1 million a year through donations and fundraising.

The hospice, which is based in Malpas, provides specialist pallative care for people with a life limiting illness.

It has ten inpatient beds and three respite beds and costs about £1.3 million a year to run.

But only about one third of this comes through grants from the likes of local health boards and the Welsh Government and is not guranteed.

Mr Woodsford said: "By picking on an elderly complex in this instance, the fear for me is they were using our name to start this process but could have been using it to suss out properties."

The men were acting in a group of three and were described as well built and although the reports so far indicate they were operating in Ringland, they could also be operating in other parts of the city.

Anyone approached in this way should call Gwent Police on 101 or the fundraising team at St Anne's on 01633 820286.