FAKE £20 notes described by police as of 'very high quality' are being used in Weymouth.

Police have warned shopkeepers and other businesses to be on alert after the notes were discovered by staff at an out of town store while they were counting up.

PC Paul Holman of West Weymouth police said: "These are some of the best I've seen, it is very difficult to tell them from genuine banknotes. It's important people stay alert as there may be more around."

The two notes handed into police both have the same serial number - PF20695103 - and the paper feels slightly different, plus the water mark showing the Queen's head is of poor quality.

PC Holman warned: "People possessing fake notes may try to target small shops as well as larger stores.

"To make it look less suspicious people using the notes may pose as a couple or a woman with a small child will try to use them.

"An item of low value will be selected and the note handed over. To avoid being caught businesses should scan notes on their security devices and alert the police if it's fake."

PC Holman said people who suspect they have fake notes should contact their local police station.

If you have any information about the notes contact police in confidence on 01305 222222.