AN ASHKIRK woman has been accused of a benefits fraud involving almost £40,000.

Rebecca Fairley, of Dryden, is charged with failing to notify the Department of Work and pensions and Scottish Borders Council a change in her circumstances and that she was living with someone.

It is alleged that between October 2012 and January this year the 32-year-old received £16,216.87 in Income Support she was not entitled and £23,946.17 in housing benefit and council tax benefit.

She pleaded not guilty to both charges and a trial date has been set for March 1 at Selkirk Sheriff Court with an intermediate hearing on January 29.