Drama students in Hounslow will swap Shakespearean tragedy for a modern version to raise awareness of doorstep crime.

Hundreds of older people are harassed and intimidated each year by bogus sellers and cowboy workmen.

Now Hounslow Trading Standards officers have turned their hands to the art of playwriting to promote the annual “Doorstoppers” campaign.

Every secondary school in Hounslow has been invited to re-create one of several scripts.

Each script tells a short story based on an older person experiencing a visit from a doorstep seller or tradesman.

Drama groups will perform their finished sketch in front of a judging panel, which will include older people.

The winning group will take their finished sketch to older people’s day centres and residential homes.

They will also take away a raft of prizes and have an opportunity to perform their sketch at the Paul Robeson Theatre. A celebrity guest will be invited to make a presentation to the winners.

Richard Lugg, from Hounslow Trading Standards, said: “This will get young people thinking about doorstep crime. Many will have grandparents who could be affected by the type of harassment and intimidation being acted out. The winning play will be the most innovative interpretation of the theme.”