CHRISTMAS has been ruined for a retired couple from Christchurch after they were swindled out of thousands of pounds by a rogue trader.

John and Elsie Smith handed over £2,500 to a man who knocked on their door and promised to fix their roof after a few tiles came loose during Storm Barney last week.

But within a couple of days the man had disappeared with the couple's money - which they had been saving to install a stairlift for Elsie, 78, who struggles to walk after most of her lung was removed 10 years ago due to cancer.

Now the pair not only have to start the saving process again but their Christmas has been ruined.

"I just feel so annoyed with myself for believing him and handing over the money upfront," said John, 68.

The Smiths were duped after a man with an Irish accent knocked on their door offering to fix their roof last Tuesday, November 17.

"He claimed he was doing some work in the area and quoted us £700 to fix the loose tiles," added Mr Smith.

"We agreed and then he came back to us and said the price would actually be £2,500.

"After discussing it we gave him the money up front in cash for materials. He started working on the roof straight away and at the end of the day said he would be back to finish up.

"But he never returned and after numerous attempts to contact him and get a receipt I realised we had been swindled out of our money.

"He's going to have a very happy Christmas, but sadly we are not."

Mr Smith has reported the incident to the police and Trading Standards but doesn't hold much hope of getting his money back.

"We've been saving that money for months in order to get Elsie a stairlift and now it is all gone," added Mr Smith.

"I just hope other elderly people in the area will be more wary and won't be caught in the same way."

A spokesman from Dorset police said trading standards was leading the investigation but police would assist when needed.

Richard Harringshaw, principal trading standards officer, said: "We are investigating as best we can but it's going to be very difficult to identify these rogue traders because we only have descriptions to go on.

"Hopefully this will be a lesson to other people not to deal with people who just knock on your door.

"Also make sure you always get quotes and certainly never pay in cash. And when in doubt use the council's buy With confidence Scheme and please report any incidents to Trading Standards on 03454 040506."