A MAN who believes he fell victim to a sob story conman has urged other people to be on the lookout for him.

Honley Male Voice Choir chairman Norman Mellor was driving on Chain Road, between Meltham and Marsden, when the man flagged him down at about 11am on Wednesday morning.

The man told Mr Mellor his uncle was in the car and he was taking him to hospital. He even offered to give Mr Mellor his gold ring in return for help.

He said he was running out of petrol and Mr Mellor gave him £6 to buy some more.

Mr Mellor said: "I thought he was in distress and he was a bit panicky, but now I think he was just acting."

As he drove away he noticed the man had got in his car and was following him. An older man was in the passenger seat.

When they reached Manchester Road the conman turned left up Manchester Road towards Oldham - the opposite direction to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and any petrol station.

Mr Mellor then realised he had been conned.

He said: "I should have known when he said he was running out of petrol. He had tried to flag down a young woman driving another car, but she didn't stop. Unlike me, she had more wit."

But Mr Mellor had remained wary and had activated his central locking before stopping and only had the window partway down.

The conman is eastern European and in his early 20s. He was driving a white saloon, possibly a Ford.

Mr Mellor added: "I'll get some stick from the choir members for this, but I thought it was important to warn others he is about."

A police spokesman said: "If anyone has been approached by the man or has any idea who he is please contact us." Ring 01484 436659.