In one clip Bird, who claimed she could barely walk, was filmed doing rigorous sit-ups while balancing on a fitness ball while in another she did repeated arm and leg stretches.

She admitted making a false declaration on claim forms to obtain disability allowance when she appeared at Walsall Magistrates' Court.

JPs heard Bird, a former postwoman with Royal Mail, was laid off in 2008 due to a degenerative condition.

Prosecutor Maggie Meakin told the court she was overpaid 21,109 after making false declaration on claim forms to obtain disability allowance.

She said: "It was confirmed by a doctor that she has osteoarthritis and that she needs help to bathe and dress, and needed help to walk.

"She then applied for the higher rate of disability living allowance claiming at this point that she needed help as she had problems with her knees and hips.

"The department was made aware that from October 2006 to August 2012 she was attending Bloxwich Leisure Centre and was participating in group exercise including pilates and circuit training.

"She then upgraded her membership to sessions which included aerobics.

"In witness statements the staff said they were aware she had problems with her knee, but she took part in spinning bike classes."

Bird, of Pleck, near Walsall, West Mids., suffers from osteoarthritis in her legs and rheumatoid arthritis in her hands.

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Benefit cheat so disabled she 'could not dress or bathe herself' caught on camera at fitness class