A WOMAN ended up in court after paying a "man with a van" to take away rubbish from her home - which he then dumped on the roadside.

Rosaleen Maughan, of Barnes Street, Church, pleaded guilty at Hyndburn Magistrates' Court to contravening the Environmental Protection Act and was fined £200 and ordered to pay £120 costs.

Coun Peter Clarke said: "This prosecution should act as a warning to others.

"People should beware of handing rubbish over to someone who calls at their door offering to take it away, as it could result in a court appearance, a hefty fine and a criminal record. Our officers will continue to pursue these irresponsible people who illegally dispose of their rubbish."