A free newspaper has teamed up with a specialist enforcement unit to help warn the public about illegal money lenders.

South Worcester Voice is joining forces with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to run a series of features and advertising highlighting the issue over the coming year.

It comes after the monthly newspaper was awarded a grant to publish advice to alert residents throughout its distribution area about people who lend money without the correct authorisation, often charging extortionate interest rates.

South Worcester Voice, part of the hyperlocal Voice network which started off in Bristol, was awarded the grant from the Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund, which resdistributes cash seized from loan sharks.

South Worcester Voice editor Christine McMillan, pictured, said the penetration of the newspaper, delivered free to more than 6,000 properties throughout South Worcester and neighbouring villages, secured the grant.

“We distribute our paper across a unique area, much of which does not receive any other printed news publication,” she said.

“This means we can deliver the warning about loan sharks directly to an audience that otherwise might fall prey to the fraudsters.

“Older people, who could be particularly susceptible to loan sharks, often rely on South Worcester Voice for their local news and information and so it is the ideal means of delivering messages warning them to beware.

“The paper’s reputation as a trusted and respected publication will help to drive home that message across its whole community.”

Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, added: “We’re pleased to have teamed with South Worcester Voice to highlight the dangers of loan sharks and ensure residents are aware that there’s a legal, ethical and affordable alternative to illegal lending.”