A MUM of one, who said she was "gullible" to let a doorstep seller into her home, has warned others not to do the same.

Deb Smith, who lives in Winforton, near Whitney-on-Wye handed over £10 to a man who said he was on a rehabilitation scheme after prison.

On Monday, the man in his early 20s, knocked on her door and said he was working on a scheme arranged by the probation service to help him find a job.

He told Miss Smith, 34, he sold household items- half of which goes to him and half to a charity of his choice.

She let him into her home and bought a fridge freshener for £10, but after speaking to her neighbour she questioned whether it was legitimate.

Miss Smith, who lives with a 16-year-old son and her 23-year-old brother, said: "People have said to me; 'You should just never let anyone in.' I know that.

"I don't want criticism for letting them in- I know what an idiot I have been.

"I want people to be aware."

The man told Miss Smith he had spoken to her neighbour who had bought items from him, but she then found out this was not true.

Miss Smith, who works at a retirement village in Hereford, said she now feels nervous about her safety.

She said: "I was stupid to let them in. I would like to think I could tell a scam.

"I am more concerned about elderly residents more than anything."

Police said a similar incident was reported in Yarpole. Officers attended and spoke to two men.

Police spokesman Kieren Bodill said: "From what we can gather they were legitimate. However, they did not have the correct permits and were not permitted to door to door sales. Two men were approached by police and given warnings and given appropriate advice.

"West Mercia Police would like to remind the public that they should not invite strangers into their houses and they should always check for ID to ensure they are genuine. If they believe the actions to be suspicious, then they should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team straight away by calling 101."