A WOMAN last week admitted stealing thousands of pounds from taxpayers in Merriott while serving as parish clerk.

Victoria Waldron pleaded guilty to six counts of theft - three each from Merriott and Barwick and Stoford parish councils - at South Somerset Magistrates' Court in Yeovil last Monday.

Waldron, 38, of Jasmine Close, Yeovil, admitted stealing £1,687.50 from Merriott Parish Council over a three-year period by falsifying cheques.

She also asked for ten further offences to be taken into consideration and has repaid a combined total of £7,117 to the two councils. She has been bailed for pre-sentencing reports until June 28.

Keith Mullins, the chairman of Merriott Parish Council, said: "It's terrible. In public office that sort of appointment carries special responsibility.

"She has abused that position of trust. She was very devious and told blatant lies. You would never have dreamt she was a thief."

Mr Mullins, who performed the dual role of parish chairman and clerk for four months after Waldron resigned in November, added: "Under the small claims court we will try to recover the cost of having a special lawyer investigate this.

"I want the public to see that we're doing everything we can to try to rectify things."

Gareth Webb, who represented Waldron in court, said: "Victoria has apologised in open court for her actions and of course to some extent instigated the investigation herself by contacting the police.

"She is also immensely grateful for the support given to her by friends and family since this case came to light."