Hundreds of pounds worth of fake £20 notes used at school events in Gloucester and Cheltenham

Hundreds of pounds worth of counterfeit £20 notes have been used at school events recently in both Cheltenham and Gloucester - with police urging schools and businesses in the area to stay vigilant, and check any money they are given.

Two separate incidents occurred in which the fake money was used, as four counterfeit £20 notes were paid at a school fireworks display in Cheltenham, while over £300 worth of the notes were also used at another school event in Churchdown, Gloucester.

PC Johnson, from the Crime Standards Bureau, said: "We are encouraging schools, shops, supermarkets, garages, and businesses in general, to be vigilant when given notes as a form of payment. To check the quality of a note you can scratch them with a pen lid or sharp nail, as the ink can come off on counterfeit notes."

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Anyone with any information, or who believes they have been given counterfeit notes, can report this by completing this online form.

Alternatively, visit here for advice on how to check whether bank notes are genuine or counterfeit, or visit here to see tips from Action Fraud about what to do if you receive counterfeit money.