A MUf-three claimed benefits as an unemployed single mother when she lived with her husband who had a full-time job.

Pauline Booth, 39, of Woodside, Euxton, pleaded guilty to obtaining nearly £5,000 in extra benefits in income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit from Chorley Borough Council.

Leyland Magistrates' Court heard Booth claimed the money as an unemployed single parent when in fact her husband was living with her and he was in full-time work.

The bench heard she made false statements and failed to report the change in her circumstances in order to continue to receive benefits.

Booth was sentenced to a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £75 costs. She must also maintain her arrangement to repay the overpayment in full.

A spokesman for the council said the fraud came to light following a tip-off through the National Benefit Fraud Hotline, which provides a free service for people to report suspected cheats.

A spokesman for the authority said: "This fraud came to light due to an anonymous tip-off to the National Shared Fraud Hotline.

"It is 12 months since the council subscribed to this service and, with the co-operation of the public, it has proved an excellent weapon in our commitment to seek out and prosecute benefit fraud."

The number 0800 328 6340 employs trained operators to allow people to report fraud in confidence. All information is then passed on to the council's specially trained investigators.