A 42-year-old woman continued to claim benefits despite working for a cleaning company, a court was told.

Hyndburn magistrates heard that Margaret Walker received a total overpayment of £927 over a five month period.

Walker, of Cherry Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilt to failing to notify a change of circumstances. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 costs after the magistrates heard arrangements had been made for repayment of the money owed.

Bernard Horne, defending, said his client had found herself under severe financial pressure.

"She was trying to look after her elderly parents, her son's girlfriend was pregnant and she was trying to help them," said Mr Horne.

"It was against that background that she was tempted."