A new cold calling zone has been launched as a crackdown on rogue traders and unwanted doorstep sellers continues.

Almost 100 homes in Kessingland, near Lowestoft, have become the 200th community in Suffolk to be part of a No Cold Calling Zone.

Unveiled by Suffolk Trading Standards to help make people feel safer in their homes, the new zone covers 96 properties in Hall Road, The Fellowship Green, Solomon Road and Marram Green, Kessingland.

The zone was chosen by a Trading Standards officer after a resident was fleeced of more than £8,000 by a rogue trader who called at their door.

The trader offered to clean the gutters for £30, which was agreed.

However, upon starting the work they then claimed there was a broken tile on the roof, crumbling roof felt and the timber was damaged by water - leading to the resident paying £8,150 by cheque.

Despite investigations, the trader was never traced although intelligence has been shared with other Trading Standards authorities and safeguarding is now in place for the victim, with their bank and family.

With Kessingland becoming the 200th community in the county to be part of a No Cold Calling Zone, it was formally launched with residents, councillors and police gathering at the offices of Kessingland parish council.

Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: "Doorstep cold callers can often turn out to be unscrupulous people who prey on the elderly and vulnerable in their homes, the very place where they should feel safest.

"No Cold Calling Zones work to deter that from happening.

"These zones are proven to have a deterrent effect and I am delighted that we now have 200 such schemes in place."

With Trading Standards setting up the zones across Suffolk in partnership with residents, councillors, police and partners, the first zone was launched in Maryon Road and Grasmere Close in Ipswich in 2009 with Kirkley Park Road, Avondale Road and Haward Street becoming Lowestoft's first 'no cold calling' zones in 2010.

To nominate your road visit the Suffolk County Council website.