A CARE worker has appeared before Blackburn magistrat-es charged with the theft from residents of a home for people with learning disabi- ilities where she worked.

Tracey Ann Edmondson, 32, who said she was of no fixed address but formerly lived at Moor Lane, Clitheroe, was remanded on bail by Blackburn magistrates.

She is charged with stealing over £31,000 from residents of a care home over a period of time.

It is alleged that Edmondson stole £8,449 from Richard Perry, £7,304 from Peter Billiard, £5,000 from Bernard Coupe, £5,000 from Colin Ratcliffe, and £5,000 and £370 from other accounts.

Edmondson formerly worked at Mowbray Lodge, Park Lee Road, Blackburn. Mowbray Lodge has now been converted in to office space for the administration of Blackburn with Darwen Council's supported living service that oversees the care of people with learning disabilities.

Edmondson was employed by the council and worked for the supported living service when Mowbray Lodge was still a hostel.

It ceased to be used for this purpose several years ago.