A COMPANY asking for donations to the third world from a number of Swindon homes has aroused suspicions.

Helpmates Limited sent out flyers to homes across Swindon last week asking for donations of clothing and toiletries - but residents are unsure if the proposal is genuine.

Although a registered company, at no point in the paperwork does it say it is a charity.

It says it is "a commercial collecting company who provide people in third world countries with clothes."

Carpenter Nick Cook, 42, from Shrivenham, said: "I wasn't sure it was real so I looked it up on the internet.

"I couldn't find anything out about the company and when I tried to ring the number on the flyer I couldn't get through.

"It does seem a little strange so I didn't donate any items as I'm still not convinced of its legitimacy."

MP Jo Swinson, a Liberal Democrat for East Dunbartonshire, has spoken about Helpmates, and other companies, in Parliament.

"This is an issue that I have pursued for the last 18 months after a constituent of mine brought it to my attention," she said.

"The less unscrupulous flyers may contain a company registration number, not a registered charity number, although some people may well be confused between the two, which is sometimes the point of including a company registration number.

"I contacted the Advertising Standards Authority about the Helpmates flyer, and I was told that because it contained a company registration number, as well as a section of small print saying: Helpmates Limited is a commercial collecting company,' it therefore adhered to the ASA guidelines and the complaint could not be pursued.

"What they are asking for is technically correct as it may well be that they are providing for the third world.

"But in my experience they might not be offering these clothes for free. It is obviously misleading information and collectors like these can be profitable businesses. Organisations collecting these clothes can cost real charities up to £3m a year.

"Also if people think that their donation is not going to their named charity, then they might be reluctant to give next time.

"It's the loss of trust, good will, and charitable spirit among the public as a whole."

The Swindon Advertiser tried to contact Helpmates Limited for a response, but no one was available to comment.