Joanne Irving carried out the fraud for more than six years while claiming benefits for caring for her elderly mother.

Irving, a 41-year-old mother-of-two, of Harwood Avenue, St Annes, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in circumstances.

Warren Spencer, prosecuting for the Department of Work and Pensions, said Irving illegally claimed £14,854 in carer's allowance between November 2002 and January last year.

Investigations revealed Irving was employed at The Dalmeny Hotel, St Annes, as a bedroom attendant earning between £543 and £118 per month.

Tony O'Brien, defending, said his client was paying back the benefit she owed at £40 a month. This would take her 28 years.

Irving cared for her 72-year-old disabled mother who suffered from arthritis, visiting her every day to do jobs such as shopping and ironing and escorting her on trips outside.

She was sentenced to 100 hours community service and ordered to pay £50 costs by Blackpool magistrates.