A MOTHER of five lied her way to almost £6,000 in benefits from Burnley Council, a court was told.

Vicky Hodgson, 36, got housing and council tax benefits without declaring she was receiving child tax credits.

Hodgson clajmed she knew nothing about the tax credits even though officials found the payments were being made in her name and into her bank account, the town's magistrates heard.

Hodgson, who went on to claim she sent payments to her ex-partner, finally owned up.

She was overpaid £4,618.99 in housing benefits and £1,305.17 in council tax benefits, between October 2007 and June 2009.

The defendant, of Pheasantford Street, Burnley, admitted two counts of dishonestly making false statements on or about November 9, 2007.

She was given a 12 month community order, with a three month curfew, seven days a week, between 10pm and 7am.

She must pay £300 costs.