AN Accrington pensioner continued to receive disability living allowance for six years after she moved to Spain for health reasons.

Blackburn magistrates heard Janet Beckett moved to a warmer climate to help with her rheumatoid arthritis.

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But while she was enjoying the sunshine nearly £16,000 was paid into her bank account at tax payers expense.

Beckett, 68, of Devonshire Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances that affected her entitlement to benefits.

She was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said the claim had started in 2003 at which stage it was legitimate.

Beckett moved to spain in February 2008 and the dishonest claim continued from then until February 2014.

"The defendant and her husband bought a property in Spain and during the six years of the claim had spent 25 weeks in the UK.”

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said his client accepted she knew the entitlement to benefit ended when she moved to Spain but maintained the claim.

He said Beckett and her husband had originally moved to Spain because of her health problems but they were now planning to return to the UK. "That was already the plan but now when the property in Spain is sold she will repay all the money owed," said Mr Bakhat.