MAGISTRATES have handed a six-month community punishment order to a Kidderminster woman, who falsely claimed more than £4,500 in benefits.

Angela Wadsworth, 44, of Amber Terrace, Lea Street, pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions and Wyre Forest District Council that she had been working.

As a result, between September 21, 2005 and December 11, 2006 Wadsworth was paid £4,591 in benefits for which she was not entitled.

It comprised £1,223 housing benefit, £272 council tax benefit, £2,356 income support and £740 carers allowance.

Mrs Wadsworth was given a community punishment order for six months and ordered to undertake 40 hours unpaid work. The overpayment of benefits will also have to be re-paid.

Wyre Forest District Council has a confidential benefit fraud hotline for reports of suspected false claims - 01562 732658.

Anyone wanting to speak to someone in person can call 01562 732638, during office hours.

E-mails can also be sent from the automatic link in the fraud section of the council's website at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk.