A fraudster claimed more than £36,000 in disability benefits over eight years while he was actually working as a delivery driver, a court was told.

Mark Gittings, of Cannock, told doctors he needed to be cared for by his wife six to seven days a week due to problems with his legs and hips, Stafford magistrates heard.

He also said he needed help getting in and out of bed. Gittings, of Hawthorne Road, Wimblebury, had been paid thousands of pounds in disability living allowance despite having a job.

The court heard how in 2003 he started working at TNT Delivery.

Miss Claire Beddow, prosecuting, said his job application failed to mention his disabilities. His job involved lots of loading, it was heard.

Gittings, aged 41, admitted a charge of failing to notify change of circumstances to social security. The Department of Work and Pensions said his claims totalled £36,384.80 between April 2003 and May, 2011.

In a separate case, Elaine Banks, of Plant Crescent, Stafford, admitted a charge of fraud by failing to disclose information after failing to admit to the council she had savings of over £16,000. The 39-year-old had been paid benefits of £12,259.73.

At another hearing, John Wilson, of Canford Place, Hednesford Road, Cannock admitted two counts of failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances after he took on a job.

The court heard how the 23-year-old was overpaid in benefits of £2,696.39. Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report in all three cases and each will be heard at Cannock Magistrates Court on December 2.