PEOPLE in Wiltshire are being urged not to respond to a chain letter promising readers they can make money by following its instructions.

The letter, claiming to be from someone called David Rhodes, is an example of the simplest form of chain letter.

It promises a great return for little outlay by simply sending something to a stranger with the promise that you will eventually get more back.

Steve Clover, head of trading standards at Wiltshire County Council, said: "The best place for a chain letter is in the bin.

"I would tell people not to get involved, and to do someone else a favour by breaking the chain."

This particular chain letter has appeared on the internet.

It instructs people to send £10 to someone whose name and address appears at the top of an enclosed list.

There is no guarantee that anything will ever come back to anyone who decides to take part in the chain letter.