A postman stole credit cards and cash from people on his mail round, a court heard today.

Anthony Pearce, 42, of Pendleton Road, Darlington, intercepted two cards plus PIN numbers sent in separate envelopes, and used them to obtain more than £2,000.

He pleaded guilty to four theft charges at Darlington Magistrates Court and was ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service.

He was also told to pay back the £2,100 he took, plus £75 prosecution costs.

Michael Rayner, mitigating, said Mr Pearce, who has now resigned from his job, stole the money to pay off debts and was full of remorse.