Selma Moore, 37, of Quebec Road, St Leonards, claimed a grand total of £50,920.28, but was finally caught after a joint investigation between Hastings Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

At Hove Crown Court last Friday she admitted four charges of claiming Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit over a six year period between December 2001 and April 2007 and of making a false statement to obtain benefits.

The court heard that Moore had been claiming benefits since 1998 as a single parent, but that in July 2001 she had told the relevant authorities she was no longer single and living with her partner, reducing her benefits.

A judge heard she then told both Hastings Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that her partner had moved out in November 2001, but failed to declare that he'd moved back in a month later.

She continued to claim benefits as a single parent.

Moore is due to be sentenced on August 28.

A spokesman for Hastings Borough Council said: "This conviction came about as a result of close joint working with other agencies.

"If you intend to cheat the benefits system you will get caught and you will have to pay back the money you claimed that you were not entitled to. If there is a change in your circumstances, you need to let the authorities know as soon as possible."