Joanne Andrews, 32, of William Road in St Leonards, claimed income support, housing and council tax benefit as a single parent but had failed to tell the relevant authorities that she lived with her partner.

Andrews admitted the charges at Hastings Magistrates Court on Friday October 30. The court heard she had claimed a total of £5,506.37 in benefits.

Magistrates handed down a 12 month community order which means she will have to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay costs of £250.

A Hastings Borough Council spokesman said: "On top of the community order and the costs, Andrews will also have to pay back every penny of the money she claimed.

"This was a joint prosecution carried out by us at the council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

"If your situation changes while you are claiming benefits you must come in and tell us. Don't leave it to chance; you are highly likely to get caught."