Folk are being warned to be wary after a couple in their 80s were conned out of hundreds of pounds by two men claiming to be roofers.

John, 82 and Valerie Girdlestone, 81, live in New Costessey where they were swindled out of £850 by two roofers, who also tried neighbouring houses in the area.

Kerry Girdlestone, John and Valerie's daughter, only found out when she popped round for tea recently and said the conmen "should be ashamed of themselves".

READ MORE: Cold callers targeting NR3 offering fake contracts

Norwich Evening News: Pictured left to right: Valerie, Kerry and John Girdlestone who live in CostesseyPictured left to right: Valerie, Kerry and John Girdlestone who live in Costessey (Image: Kerry Girdlestone)

The 55-year-old who lives in Old Costessey said: "A couple of weeks ago two men knocked on the door saying they'd noticed that the roof needed work.

"Originally they spoke to mum, who has severe issues with her memory, so she didn't understand what was happening or what the blokes were talking about.

"They then spoke to dad who, for as much as he can do, isn't a roofer - so he agreed to the work."

Originally Mr and Mrs Girdlestone were quoted £200 but after going up to investigate the roof the supposed roofers returned saying "more work needed doing and would actually cost £850", added Kerry.

Norwich Evening News: The couple were charged a total of £850 by the roofers but claim that nothing was fixed at allThe couple were charged a total of £850 by the roofers but claim that nothing was fixed at all (Image: Newsquest)

"After dad handed over the cash, because the company didn't accept card, he told me the story and I was automatically suspicious.

"My niece's husband, who's a builder, went up to see what they'd done and said they'd knocked a few tiles out of place but hadn't fixed a thing.

READ MORE: Taverham scammers quoting £4,000 for minor work

Norwich Evening News: Kerry Girdlestone, daughter of the elderly couple, said the roofers should be ashamed of themselvesKerry Girdlestone, daughter of the elderly couple, said the roofers should be ashamed of themselves (Image: Getty Images)

"Because dad paid in cash though he's got no way to claim the money back.

"I'm so angry that there are people ripping off the elderly. Some of the money used to pay the people was from my mum's savings for new flooring which has now gone up in smoke.

"I want to warn others that there may be people knocking to try and con them out of money too."