A woman continued to claim carer’s allowance despite working full-time.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ruth Halden failed to declare her employment over three years and five months, resulting in an overpayment of nearly £12,000.

Halden, 46, of Irving Place, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances.

She was ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work and pay £75 costs.

Coleen Dickinson-Jones, prosecuting, said during the period of the claim Halden had worked for the Thomas Project, Spion Preston Supported Housing and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council as a floating support worker earning £350 a week.

Clare Knight, defending, said it had been a legitimate claim for the carer’s allowance because Halden was looking after her daughter who was profoundly deaf.