A benefit cheat who falsely claimed more than £10,000 will have to pay the full amount back.

Mary Noelle McMahon, 42, of Ash Grove, Chorley, claimed the extra money in Job Seekers Allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Preston Crown Court heard McMahon claimed the benefits with her partner claiming they were both unemployed but failed to report that he later found work.

McMahon then told Chorley Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that her partner had left home and claimed benefits for being single and unemployed.

She continued to claim the benefits even when her partner, who was in full-time work, returned home. McMahon was sentenced to a two year community rehabilitation order. Steps are being taken to recover the overpaid benefit in full.