Shoppers and retail staff have been urged to watch out for fake banknotes in the busy lead-up to Christmas.

The charity Crimestoppers warned that fraudsters often took advantage of the festive season by targeting busy shops with temporary staff.

Incidents include scammers tricking innocent members of the public into swapping fake £20 notes for two genuine £10 notes, and businesses being left out of pocket if they take a counterfeit note.

Roger Critchell, from Crimestoppers director of operations, said: 'Fake notes are completely worthless and knowingly holding or passing on counterfeit notes is a crime.

'The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of counterfeit money, especially around Christmas when money can be tight, but also to highlight how heartless and callous fraudsters can be.'

Have you come across a fake banknote? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk