History buffs in Heaton are fuming because they are still waiting to receive copies of a book about the area months after they paid out for them.

Police are now warning Bradford residents to be on their guard after the villagers paid £4.50 each to a man who called at their homes saying he was writing a historical book.

They are investigating the man who they say is calling on homes in the Thornton area and officers have warned residents not to give out money up front.

Geoff Cobb, the owner of Heaton Fine Foods in Highgate, said: "The man came into the shop in September and he was very plausible and said the book would be published at the end of October.

"I thought it would make a nice little Christmas present for someone and he said he needed advance orders so he knew how many to print.

"Now looking back I'm glad I didn't order three or four copies like some people," he added.

"So many residents have been coming into the shop asking if anyone has seen this man because they've given him money .

"It didn't seem like a lot at the time but if he's taken hundreds of orders then it mounts up."

Kathryn Dixon, of Rossefield Road, said all the residents believed they had been conned.

"All we've been left with is a receipt with the man's name but no book," she said.

"Looking back, I suppose we were foolish but it seemed like a lovely idea.

"I thought it would be a nice gift for my husband who was born in the area but I haven't heard a thing since.

"People in Heaton are very angry and we have tried to contact this man but haven't had any success."

Councillor Stanley King (Con Heaton) , who is writing a historical book about the area, said: "There is a lot of interest in local history in Heaton and many residents ordered a copy of this book.

"A lot of people would like to get to the bottom of this as they haven't seen a copy yet and they want their money back."

Inspector David Walls from Toller Lane police said they had received complaints from residents in Thornton and Heaton.

"There have been several people contacting us and this man has been seen in the Thornton area in the last two weeks," he said.

"Residents should be very careful about giving any money out to anyone that comes to the door, especially for a book.

"If they do, they should get a receipt with a name and contact number or ask for the publisher's number or ask to see a draft copy of the book and a definite date when it will be available.

"This man has been trying to collect funds for an alleged book for some time but there is no sign of it as yet and we are monitoring his activities. I am sure that bona fide authors don't collect door-to-door and no historical societies in the area are involved in it."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.