A 39-YEAR-OLD Accrington woman claimed she had paid £50 in cash to a dog warden who had followed her pet home after it had fouled in the street.

Kelly Tootle said she had no proof she had paid the fine because she couldn't find the receipt she had been given.

But dog warden Jane Grady told the court she wasn't allowed to accept payments and didn't have a receipt book.

Tootle, of Avenue Parade, Accrington, pleaded guilty to failing to remove dog faeces from designated land. She was fined £50 with £100 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Gordon McMillan, prosecuting for Hyndburn Council, said the dog warden had seen a small terrier defecate on the grass verge in Avenue Parade. She followed the dog to a house on the parade and it walked in through the open door.

Mrs Grady, who was called to give evidence after the allegation she had been handed £50 cash, said she had explained the procedure and means of payment but had not accepted any money.

District judge James Clark said he accepted the evidence given by Mrs Grady.