A Barrow pensioner has pleaded not guilty to charges of benefit fraud which add up to £27,000.

Janet Grainger, of St Francis gardens, Barrow, denied four separate counts of dishonestly failing to notify changes to her circumstances in Magistrate's court yesterday.

The charges were brought against the 67 year old after authorities stated she had not supplied them with the correct financial information after her income rose by £183 per month, affecting her eligibility for council tax and housing benefits.

Retiree Grainger pleaded not guilty to all counts and opted for a Crown Court trial.

Defending Solicitor Trystan Roberts said that the sums of money stated would be contested in the trial.

Grainger was granted unconditional bail at Barrow Magistrate's yesterday and she will appear before Preston Crown Court on 8 July at 9.30am.