FRIENDSHIP blossomed for two women after one had burgled the other's room at the YWCA in East Park Road, Blackburn.

The town's magistrates heard that Emma Louise McAteer had been full of remorse for the offence and had gone to apologise personally to Shakur Qadir.

Since then they had become best friends and Miss Qadir turned up at court to support her pal.

McAteer, 24, of the YWCA, pleaded guilty to burglary and was given a community rehabilitation order for two years, which will include attending a course to addres subsance related offending.

She was also ordered to pay £125 compensation and £55 costs.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said Miss Qadir had left her room secure when she went out for the evening.

When she returned the door frame was splintered and she discovered several items were missing.

As a result of information provided by other residents, McAteer's room was searched and some of the stolen property was recovered.

Jonathon Taylor, defending, said that before the burglary the two women had not known each other. "They met when my client went to apologise for her behaviour and since then have formed a firm friendship, so much so that Miss Qadir has come to court today to show her support," said Mr Taylor.

"My client repeats her apology to her friend and to the court for what she accepts was a stupid act."