People in Bognor whose homes were blitzed by a tornado have been warned to beware of cowboy builders.

A hotline has been set up for residents worried about the person they are employing to make their home safe or carry out urgent repairs.

West Sussex trading standards department says it is anxious to avoid a repeat of the problems in Selsey two years ago, when more than 1,500 homes and shops were ripped apart by a whirlwind.

Dozens of dodgy builders in unmarked vans flooded the area touting for work and grossly overcharged many vulnerable people.

One elderly woman handed over more than £600 just to have a tarpaulin thrown over a hole in her roof.

Head of trading standards Patrick Bligh-Cheesman said: "I fear the vulnerable position that the tornado at Bognor has left many consumers in may prove tempting to unscrupulous traders.

"I appreciate that residents are under pressure to get their homes repaired quickly but there could be costly pitfalls and consumers may find that acting in haste could mean repenting at leisure."

He said people should ask traders for references and get written quotations with the name and address of the company.

Trade references, such as membership of an association, should also be checked out.

He also says home owners should keep a note of the details and registration of builders' vehicles.

They should never pay until the work has been completed to their complete satisfaction, and then only by cheque or credit card.

The hotline is on 01903 228700 and advice leaflets can be ordered on 01903 228749.