A charity fundraiser plundered more than £22,000 from a cancer charity's donations, including cash that had been handed over to funeral directors by grief-stricken relatives.

Kate Hetherington, 29, who also stole money raised by runners who competed in Carlisle's Race for Life event, went on to squander some of the cash on a holiday to Disneyland and UK city breaks.

As the voluntary head of a local fundraising group, Hetherington, of Aglionby, near Carlisle, was meant to pay donations directly to Cancer Research UK.

But Carlisle Crown Court heard how over two years she stole a total of £21,000 from the account set up for that purpose - chiefly to pay off family debts.

She also stole nearly £600 in takings from the Cancer Research UK shop in the city's Bank Street while working there as a manager.

She admitted two counts of theft.

Beccy McGregor, prosecuting, said Hetherington's crimes came to light when discrepancies were noted by those monitoring her activities with the local fundraising group.

There was also suspicion about the finances at the Carlisle charity shop while it was under her management.

When quizzed by police about the financial irregularities, Hetherington falsely blamed a shop volunteer and denied any wrongdoing.

"Eventually she admitted to taking individual amounts over the months," said Miss McGregor.

"Over these months she had holidays to Disneyland, and trips to London and York.

“She had to agree these were partly paid for by the money that was taken."

Hetherington also admitted forging a friend's signature on official documentation.

The money stolen could have funded vital research to help beat cancer, the court heard.

In a statement to police, a Cancer Research UK fundraising manager voiced fears about the potential impact of Hetherington's crimes on its excellent reputation.

She went on to state: "For someone to lie and steal from the charity, and deprive it of money to go into research is so wrong."

Paul Tweddle, for Hetherington, said she was a woman of previous good character. He said most of money taken was spent paying off family debts, and not on funding a lavish lifestyle.

"It was not deceitful from the outset,” said Mr Tweddle. “She is genuinely remorseful. She blames no-one but herself.

"She understands the seriousness of what she has done.”

Judge Barbara Forrester, who was told that Hetherington had mental health issues, imposed a 20-month prison sentence, but suspended it for two years.

Hetherington must observe a six-month night-time curfew, complete a rehabilitation requirement and pay £22,076 compensation to the charity.