A former bank manager has been warned that he faces the prospect of being sent to prison after admitting theft and deception offences.

Mark Gidlow, 46, of Brownlow Street, Clitheroe, was a branch manager for Barclays in Burnley and vice chairman of Clitheroe FC.

He appeared at Preston Crown Court today and admitted seven charges, four involving the theft of £51,300 in total, and three deception offences involving another £10,000.

The theft charges relate to £13,500 stolen from Barclays and another £37,800 from his parents-in-law.

A work colleague was the victim of the deception offences.

Judge Edward Slinger told him: "You must understand that an immediate custodial sentence is likely in your case".

Mr Mark Stuart, defending, said there had been discussions for a number of weeks between the defence and the Crown and the pleas were accepted by the prosecution.

Mr Stuart said that some the money had been paid back by the defendant.

He said Gidlow was under no illusions about the possible sentence he could receive.

The case was adjourned to January 23 for a pre sentence report to be drawn up by the probation service.

He was remanded on unconditional bail.