One of the leading trade associations in the UK building industry has urged people to make sure any builders they employ are reputable, after a conman tricked pensioners out of £8,000.

46-year-old Tudor Davies from Llanelli in Wales, was jailed for four and a half years at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting 22 counts of fraud. Most of the charges related to taking money for building repairs he failed to carry out.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said householders should never accept building offers from "cold callers".

"A reputable builder will not come knocking on your door in that way," said FMB Director General Richard Diment.

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According to Mr Diment, part of the problem is the fact that anyone can set themselves up as a builder. However, anyone who joins the FMB must undergo a strict vetting procedure to make sure their business was robust and able to carry out work for any potential clients.

Mr Diment said that anyone who wants building work to take place at their property should always go to an organisation like FMB, who are able to provide a list of reputable builders.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Davies – who posed as a devout Christian - had targeted homes in the south Wales valleys where he was already trusted by many of his victims.

The court heard he used the good reputation of his brother's respectable firm to gain people's trust, even though Davies had set up on his own.

One of his victims eventually went to the police who contacted trading standards. Officers then compiled a list of pensioners who had been targeted by Davies between October 2006 and June 2007.

(NS/JM)