A “CHARITY” closed by watchdogs three months ago is still operating in Suffolk, it has emerged.

A “CHARITY” closed by watchdogs three months ago is still operating in Suffolk, it has emerged.

Leaflets for the Children's Welfare Foundation (CWF) have been posted through hundreds of homes across the county, despite the fact it was officially struck off the charities register in October last year following a Charity Commission investigation.

It found that only 3per cent of the money it raised was available for charity - and that none ever passed to the causes it claimed to help.

The black and white leaflets ask for unwanted textiles, footwear, handbags and soft toys to be left outside for collection by the 'registered charity'.

Reg Ruffles, assistant county trading standards officers for Suffolk County Council, urged residents to get in touch if a CWF leaflet is posted through the door.

He said: “I first became aware of the Children's Welfare Foundation when a leaflet was pushed through my front door.”

He added leaflets had been circulating in Sudbury, Ipswich and Felixstowe.

The Charity Commission opened its investigation into CWF in January last year, after receiving complaints from the public and trading standard departments across the country.

It was officially removed from the register of charities on October 24 last year, and its remaining assets transferred to another charity.