A WOMAN failed to tell benefits providers that her husband was holding down two jobs in Ribble Valley hotels.

Blackburn magistrates heard that as a result Zoe Bennett received an overpayment of £6,837.

Bennett, 32, of Within Grove, Accrington, pleaded guilty to making a false declaration to obtain benefit.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 16-week curfew between 8pm and 6am and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the claim was made on the basis that the family had no other income.

"It was discovered that her husband had been working at the Ribchester Arms and Mitton Hall and had this been declared no benefits would have been payable," said Mr Robinson.

"The claim was not fraudulent from the outset."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client's husband had trial periods at various establishments and then the hours he worked were fairly sporadic.

"There was some doubt about whether it needed to be reported to the benefits agency," said Mr Taylor.