Doh! Bank of Homer fools idiots

SHOPKEEPERS, bar staff and pensioners are being urged to check £20 notes after consumer watchdogs seized hundreds of fakes featuring film characters and football stars instead of the Queen.

Despite either Homer Simpson or a Alan Shearer standing in for the Sovereign, trading standards officers have taken a hard line against sellers amid fears they could be passed off as genuine notes.

The novelty notes were seized at a North East car boot sale and the errant seller given a formal warning.

Director of development and entertainment for Gateshead Council Sheila Johnston said: "On the face of it these are just a bit of fun - but it's doubtful whether the owners of these images would share that view.

"However, these notes look just like real banknotes when they are folded in two and we are very concerned that some people may be conned into accepting them as legal tender."