A WOMAN accused of stealing almost £26,000 worth of lottery tickets and scratch cards from the newsagents where she was working made her first appearance at crown court on Wednesday.

Lisa Johnston, of Skerne Way, Darlington, faces three charges of stealing lottery tickets and scratch cards with a total value of £25,830 from Christopher Young of Youngs newsagents in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

She is also alleged to have committed fraud by cashing in the winning tickets.

The 34-year-old was due to enter a plea for all four charges at Durham Crown Court but her solicitor, Simon Perkins, and prosecutor Martin Towers asked for more time.

The incidents are said to have occurred between September 2013 and March last year, while Ms Johnston was working at the family business, located in Newton Aycliffe town centre.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, April 30 and Ms Johnston was given unconditional bail.