A mum-of-13 branded a scrounger for bringing up her family on more than £38,000 in benefits has defended her state-funded lifestyle.

Anita Hull and partner Steve Dalton faced a backlash from angry taxpayers after revealing they have not worked for 17 years and live on hand-outs in a four-bedroom detached house.

But the embattled mum, born and bred in Northfleet, spoke openly to the Messenger about why people shouldn't judge her.

Her family lives on £450 a week child tax benefits, £120 a week child benefits, £129 a week in housing benefit and £35 a week Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Anita says the reason she and Steve, 46, don’t work is because three of their children are disabled and they are their full-time carers.

“If you don’t know somebody then don’t be so quick to judge," she added. “I want to work. I can’t wait to get back to work. I’m not one of those people that sits on their arse drinking and taking drugs.

“It’s a full time job caring for the children.”

For the full story see this week's Gravesend Messenger, out today.