A BENEFIT cheat has been given a community order after pleading guilty to dishonestly claiming almost £5,500.

Lorraine Gibson-Chalmers, 60, from Navigation Close in Runcorn failed to tell the authorities that she had become a full time student at St Helens College leading to an overpayment in Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £5440.53.

She was placed under curfew for 28 days fined a total £360 and ordered to pay back the full overpayment.

To report benefit fraud call the dedicated hotline on 0800 953 0217 or email benefitfraud@sthelens.gov.uk