An MP is urging his constituents to not throw away spam mail, but give it to him as part of a campaign to stop vulnerable people spending their life savings on scams.

Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies said everything should be done to end the misery caused by the spam mail that is sent to people’s homes claiming they have won a holiday or cash.

He is supporting a campaign led by Conservative South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler, who is working with Trading Standards to end the practice.

She wants to collect mail from across the country and is urging other MPs to help protect their vulnerable residents.

Mr Davies said: “I would like my constituents to make me aware of any scam mail they receive so that we can make the authorities aware and prevent other people from being ripped off.

“I am happy to be working with Heather Wheeler on this initiative and I hope that we will be able to stop the misery that this type of mail can cause to people. Often the most vulnerable and elderly are targeted.”

The MP attended a meeting with West Yorkshire Trading Standards in Baildon during the summer where officers explained the tactics scammers might use and thought the issue was worth further probing.

It is hoped that by comparing mail from across the country a pattern of where scams are operating can be established.

David Lodge, of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “We obviously support this initiative which will raise awareness of the problems with scam mail.

People are asked to drop suspected scam mail off at Asda’s customer service desk in Shipley between now and the end of the year.