ST HELENS Hospital has fired a warning about fraudulent clothes banks using the name of its cancer centre in order to raise money.

The St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust is urging people to be alert after receiving reports of people using the name of the Lilac Centre to collect clothes to raise funds.

The Trust says this has not been done in conjunction with them and that it receives no money from the clothes banks.

In a statement, the Trust said: “The Trust has been made aware of various clothing bank collection containers, situated around the area that have signs and stickers on indicating that the Lilac Centre, St Helens Hospital is involved.

"Please note the Trust receives no funds from the company that has placed the containers and has tried without success to contact the company involved to get the signs and stickers removed.

"Furthermore, the Trust is not involved with any other clothing bank collection companies and at present only accepts monetary donations for its charitable funds."

The Trust says donations to services at St Helens and Whiston hospitals can be made by calling 0151 430 1145, via JustGiving or in person at the General Office at either Whiston or St Helens Hospital.

For more information or to request sponsorship forms, collection boxes or if you require proof of fundraising for the Trust, call 0151 290 4400.