Patricia Marie Daire, of Rainbow Corner, Western Road, also fraudulently claimed £891 in council tax benefit.

The 50-year-old pleaded guilty at Lewes Magistrates Court to two offences of claiming benefits and not telling the authorities she had a job.

Daire had been claiming income support and council tax benefits from March 3, 2003 to May 28, 2004 —when she had actually been working for Thomas Cook Airlines.

In mitigation, the court heard Daire had found herself in financial difficulties following the breakdown of her marriage.

Magistrates gave Daire a six-month prison term, suspended for two years, and 150 hours' unpaid work.

Daire was hauled before the courts after a joint investigation by Wealden District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The district council said Daire's case sent a warning to those who continue to claim benefits despite working.

Cllr Bob Standley, cabinet member for finance and assets, said, "It may appear to be an easy crime to commit but failing to provide the proper information about your current circumstances will land the claimant in trouble.

"This council, along with its partners such as the DWP, takes a proactive approach to finding and preventing fraud."