BOGUS letters claiming people have won a fortune have been landing on doormats in the Thanet area. The letters have been sent from all over the world, but most recently Canada. They claim that a large sum of money and a free gift have been set aside for the recipient.

To claim their prize, people are asked to forward a small handling charge before a set date. A number of residents have handed the letters to the police.

Neighbourhood watch co-ordinator PC Terry McCormick said: "It’s not unknown for unsuspecting members of the public to forward their money, only to hear nothing more from what turns out to be an untraceable company. If people do receive such letters, I suggest they consign them to the dustbin.”