BANK staff foiled an attempt to persuade a Hampshire pensioner pay more than £1,000 for a small amount of gardening.

Two rogue traders called at the woman’s house in Barton on Sea and carried out what police describe as “minor maintenance” in her garden.

They demanded hundreds of pounds for the job and drove the pensioner to a nearby branch of Lloyds Bank so she could withdraw the cash.

But staff became suspicious and alerted police, which resulted in no money changing hands.

A police spokesman said: “Some gardening work was carried out. The elderly woman was taken to the bank to withdraw cash but a bank employee contacted us and the crime was prevented. Two men are suspected to have been involved.”

No further details have been released but the bank involved is understood to be the New Milton branch of Lloyds.

The incident took place on Tuesday and has prompted police to issue a general warning about rogue traders and distraction burglaries.

A police spokesman said: “Offenders knock on the door pretending to be someone else. They distract the resident to gain entry and then steal items from inside the property, sometimes with an accomplice.

“Offenders may pretend to have lost a pet or claim they need to use your home phone.

“Sometimes they claim to be a council, a utility supplier or even the police. If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.”

A Lloyds Bank said he was unable to comment on individual incidents.