Parents fear they have been conned after handing over money for modelling and acting contracts for their children which never turned into offers of work.

Maria Richards, of Hayes, and Faye Kingsnorth, of Hillingdon, told the web-site Netmums.com how they had regis-tered their daughters with Hidden Talent, of Pinewood Studios, more than a year ago.

Mrs Richards paid £383.50 for her seven-year-old, Lauren, to sign up, and after several attempts to make contact fears she has been ripped off.

She said: "Lauren reminded us of the little girl in the Petit Filous adverts, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, so when we saw an advert for Hidden Talent we decided to give them a ring.

"After paying the fees and having test shots, we were told that she would definitely be considered for any jobs that came up, but we have heard nothing.

"The owner kept telling us to call back, but we have had no correspondence and now the (Hidden Talent) web-site has closed down and the telephone number doesn't work."

Mrs Kingsnorth experienced the same problems after registering her four-yearold daughter, Amy, with the agency.

She said: "Hidden Talent said that Amy was beautiful and would have no problems getting work, although they seemed to say that to everyone.

"We paid £250, which came out of Amy's savings, and, despite calling every week, we have had no job offers."

Both women say they have since heard of rumours that the company has gone into receivership.

She added: "There was no reason to suggest the company was dodgy, as they were based in Pinewood Studios.

"They made us believe they were reputable but obviously not. All we really want is an explanation, and ideally a refund."

Eric Chandler, who is listed as the contact for Hidden Talents on www.4rfv.co.uk   a film and television industry listing website, said that he only worked as a casting agent and has now set up his own agency, Model Factor, in Slough.

He said he had not had any contact with his former employers since last year. When the Gazette contacted Companies House there was no record of Hidden Talent based in Iver.