A SPOOF press release that was sent by pranksters claiming to be a Rochford councillor has been referred to police.

James Cottis, the youngest councillor in Rochford district, was shocked to discover the unknown jokers had sent out an e-mail saying he would be climbing Mount Snowdon in Wales for charity.

It was sent from an e-mail address – cllrjamescottis@hotmail.

co.uk – that is not used by Mr Cottis and he has now referred the matter to Essex Police.

The press release stated Mr Cottis was aiming to raise £1,000 to preserve historic buildings in Rochford and was enlisting the help of a Nepalese sherpa to help him prepare for the “harsh mountainous environment”.

It even included a fake quote, a photo of him from the internet and said he would be preparing at Clements Hall leisure centre in Hawkwell twice a week.

Mr Cottis said: “Obviously, there are some people who are pranksters.

“They thought it would be funny to set up a fake e-mail account. We must all be aware of internet fraud and this is internet fraud. It was a realistic, but very odd, press release they sent out. I suspect it was someone local who knows the area.

“I’ve no idea who could be behind it.”