A woman from Kent has admitted making hoax bomb threats to a series of high-profile targets in the centre of London - sparking security alerts across the capital.

Meredith Pannett made the malicious calls to The Shard, the Palace of Westminster, the headquarters of the Conservative Party, Mansion House, University College London (UCL) and St Thomas' Hospital last Wednesday.

The 51-year-old former athlete, who is from Tenterden and describes herself as "an advocate for peace" on her personal website, was arrested later that day.

Her fake reports prompted a number of her targets to take precautionary action, including closing entrances and restricting access to certain areas.

Social media users posted pictures of police cordons in place in both the City, close to Bank station, and at the entrance to St Thomas' Hospital.

A spokesman for Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that no wards were evacuated, but the ground floor entrance area had to be cleared.

UCL closed its main campus gates on the advice of police and reduced access to a small number of buildings at about 10.30am.

"On further advice, all areas were reopened a short time later," a spokesman added.

"The measures were precautionary, and we thank those affected for their patience."

A Parliamentary spokesman said: "The safety and security of all those who work in Parliament is our top priority. However, we cannot comment on specific security matters."

An update from the Met Police on Twitter last Wednesday afternoon read: "Officers attended a number of locations in central London, including St Thomas's Hospital, this morning following a series of hoax bomb threats.

"We are satisfied there is no risk to the public. A woman was subsequently arrested in Kent and remains in custody."

Ms Pannett, of Beacon Oak Road, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Thursday, October 20, charged with six counts of making a bomb hoax by communicating false information.

She pleaded guilty to all charges, and was remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury Crown Court at a date yet to be set.

On her website, Ms Pannett says she is "an advocate for peace through health worldwide".

As an accomplished club runner she competed in races across the south of England, posting a 10k time of 33:59 at Chichester in 2003.

She says she was "brought up in a family of Church of England Christians by my mother and father" and feels strongly about "encouraging others".