A charity fundraiser has admitted stealing more than £21,500 belonging to Cancer Research UK.

Kate Hetherington, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft when she appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today.

Her offences were committed between April 2013, and August last year. 

Judge Peter Hughes QC was told that the total amount of money stolen by Hetherington from the charity amounted to £21,507.68. No details about the crime were given in open court.

Hetherington is said to have been a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, and worked at its shop in Carlisle city centre.

Judge Hughes adjourned the case and asked for background information to be prepared on Hetherington, of Aglionby, near Carlisle.

A woman of previous good character, she is due to be sentenced next month. In the meantime she was remanded in custody.