PEOPLE in Dorchester are being urged to be on the look-out for fake £20 notes.

The warning comes after an elderly Weymouth woman was tricked into swapping two £10 notes for a £20 note, which turned out to be fake.

The woman was in Acland Road, Dorchester, when two men in a blue, Transit-sized van approached her asking for change.

PC Kevin House of Dorchester Police said the woman willingly exchanged her two notes for the £20. It was only when she came to spend it in a shop a short time later that she realised it was fake.

"She went to pay for some items with the note and shop staff informed her that it was not a real £20 note. She is obviously very upset by the whole incident."

PC House said the incident happened on Tuesday but a blue van matching the description was also seen in the Maiden Castle Road area of the town on Wednesday.

"We would urge anyone approached by men asking for change for a £20 to refuse and call the police."

Fake £20 notes were passed at Weymouth's Asda store earlier this month when two counterfeit notes were handed over to staff.

Police said the quality of the notes was very good and it was only through feeling the paper properly that most people would be able to tell them apart from the real thing.

Anyone with information on the Dorchester incident should call PC House on 01305 222222.