The woman, who was recently seen in Nelson Place in Dereham, is claiming to be raising funds for the Happiness Foundation.

But the Lowestoft-based charity's chief executive, Kathryn Temple, says that the Happiness Foundation does not employ people to sell raffle tickets, or to collect money on behalf of the organisation. She explained that numerous similar incidents have been reported across the country and is people to be alert.

Breckland Council licensing officers have been alerted to the scam and have notified the police.

Gordon Bambridge, the council's executive member for public protection, said: 'It is distressing that anyone should try to take advantage of people's generosity, dishonestly obtaining funds that could be better used to support genuine good causes. I hope that this person is apprehended soon.'

Police say anyone who is approached by a person claiming to represent the Happiness Foundation should call 101. They say people should not raise the issue with the seller or part with funds.