A 31-year-old hairdresser accused of benefit fraud to the tune of more than £20,000 is to be tried at crown court.

Nina Longhurst, of Blatcher Close, Minster, near Sheerness, is facing six false representation to obtain benefit charges, two obtain property by deception charges, one evade liability by deception charge and one charge of dishonest representation to obtain benefit.

It is alleged she claimed £12,629.99 income support, £11,195.68 housing benefit between 2001 and 2004 and, because of the benefit she was receiving, she also did not pay £1,371.44 council tax.

The court heard she had told Swale Council she had no source of income but, in fact, was receiving money from a hairdressing salon.

Longhurst, who made an initial appearance bedfore Sittingbourne magistrates will now face trial at Maidstone Crown Court.