A 37-YEAR-OLD Blackburn woman was given two benefit books belonging to a jailed friend and told to collect the money she was owed, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard Theresa Hammond forged signatures on two orders for £112 and cashed them at the Post Office before returning the books to the other woman's mother.

Hannan, of Oban Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two allegations of making a false statement to obtain benefits. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.

Deborah Hayden-Pawson, prosecuting, said the income support orders were presented to Addison Street Post Office, in Blackburn, at a time when the owner was in prison.

Daniel King, defending, said the other woman had been sent to prison before she could repay a debt to Hannan.

"Another woman gave her the order book and said she could withdraw what was owed to her," said Mr King. "She knew it was wrong and as soon as the offences were put to her she made a full and frank admission."