PEOPLE are being warned to keep an eye on their cash after a batch of counterfeit notes surfaced in the county.

Alan Styance, who runs the Esso Garage in Ashford Road, Bearsted, near Maidstone, said in recent weeks he has refused a number of convincing £20 notes.

He said: “There’s a batch of them around here which are very good. They even have watermarks, but the colour is slightly off.”

A Maidstone and Malling Police spokeswoman said it was essential anyone offered such a note should either contact police or take it to be logged at the police station.

She said: “We are happy to offer any further advice on how to spot counterfeit notes.”

In a separate incident, rail traveller Paul Arnold, of Wyatt Street, Maidstone, said he purchased a train ticket at a station near Beckenham and received two £20 notes among the change.

The following day he discovered they were fake after they were rejected by a shopkeeper.

Despite contacting South Eastern Trains to ask for a refund Mr Arnold said he is yet to receive a response he is happy with.

Mr Arnold, who has been unemployed for about a month, said he relied on the money while he was job hunting to help support his 16-month-old son, Archie.

A South Eastern Trains spokesman said: “We are sorry that Mr Arnold feels he has received counterfeit money. We can’t confirm that is the case and it is in the hands of the British Transport Police, who are investigating.”