Members of a local sports club were 'horrified' to learn three men - with no affiliation to the organisation - have been appealing for 'sponsorship' money.

The trio have apparently been seeking sponsorship for local clubs in Bridport and are being investigated by police.

Bridport Boxing Club says it was ‘horrified’ to learn men had been claiming to be from the club in a bid to gain money.

Julie Slaney, whose husband Alan is the owner and chairman of the club, says the behaviour is ‘disgusting’.

“We were horrified when we found out people had been collecting money and claiming to be from the club,” said Mrs Slaney. “It was worrying for us. My husband recently had a heart operation and did not need the stress of this.

“These people are nothing to do with our club and we hope it does not happen again. We just want people to be aware that nobody will ever collect on our behalf, apart from my husband.”

Posting on social media at the weekend, Bridport police said: “There have been recent reports of three males touring Bridport and ‘seeking sponsorship’ for the Bridport boxing and rugby clubs.

“We can confirm that these three males have no affiliations to either club and we are asking that any members of the community who have donated money to these males either call 101 or report online so that we can investigate this matter fully.”