A MUf-two received almost £5,000 in extra cash by claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Dawn Grant, 25, of Mendip Road, Clayton-le-Woods, pleaded guilty to obtaining almost £5,000 in income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit from Chorley Borough Council.

Leyland Magistrates' Court heard on August 25, how Grant claimed the money as an unemployed single parent when in fact her partner was living with her and in full-time work. The court was told the fraud had been ongoing since July 2003.

A spokesman for the council said the investigation was prompted by a tip-off.

He said: "This is the sixth person we have prosecuted in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions since April and highlights our ongoing commitment to stamping out benefit fraud.

"Benefit fraud has the potential to affect everyone in the community and it is of paramount importance that it does not go unpunished."

Grant was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £75 costs. Arrangements have been made to recover the overpayment from her in full.

The council has signed up to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline, telephone 0800-328-6340, which allows people to report suspected cheats in confidence.