A pensioner from South Oxhey has been convicted of £38,000 worth of benefit fraud after not declaring secret savings.

Doreen Palmer pleaded guilty to four benefit fraud charges at Watford Magistrates Court on Monday.

Palmer, from Muirfield Road, claimed Housing Benefit from Three Rivers District Council between 2003 and 2011 and but did not mention she had savings in excess of £16,000.

The 77-year-old admitted that she knew if she had declared her savings then she would have to pay full rent and Council Tax.

Mrs Palmer’s benefits were recalculated and she is no longer entitled to Housing & Council Tax benefit.

She was given credit for her early plea and due to her age was given 12-months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 in costs.

She has since repaid, in full, the overpaid benefit.