HELP is at hand to protect vulnerable Keighley people from scams.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards' SAFER project is raising awareness of common cons.

And it has vowed that protecting dementia sufferers is a top priority.

A series of community workshops has been staged and training provided for partner organisations.

"We've worked with over 21,000 older residents and vulnerable adults – giving them the confidence to say 'no' to doorstep callers and scams – and more than 4,200 frontline professionals have benefited from training in spotting and stopping incidents," said David Lodge, head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards.

Councillor Val Slater, deputy chairman of West Yorkshire joint services committee, urges community groups working with vulnerable people to consider requesting a free workshop.

"Prevention is better than cure and the SAFER project gives vulnerable residents the knowledge to protect themselves when scammers attempt to swindle them," she said.

Regarding scam mail, the project says no legal company running a draw will ask for payment to release a prize.

Anyone receiving nuisance phone calls should contact their provider and ask about call blocking/filtering services, and sign-up to the free telephone preference service (TPS) to reduce UK marketing calls.

And say no to unexpected doorstep callers offering trade services.

The advice for anyone needing a trader is to seek recommendations from family, friends and trusted sources, obtain three written quotes, research the company you're planning to use and never pay upfront.

To book a community workshop, e-mail safer@wyjs.org.uk or call 0113 393 9910.