A woman has admitted trying to hold up her local off-licence with an imitation gun while wearing nothing but a dressing gown.

Claire Withers raided the Talbot Road off-licence and general dealers in South Shields, South Tyneside, on September 3.

The 30-year-old admitted attempted robbery during an earlier hearing at Newcastle Crown Court but denied possessing an imitation firearm with intent.

Her case was back before a judge yesterday and she admitted the firearms charge.

During the earlier hearing, Julian Smith, prosecuting, told the court: "It is an unusual case."

He said that Withers had been drinking at the time of the incident and had indicated that she was an alcoholic.

Mr Smith said that the although the gun was an imitation, it looked convincing.

The incident was captured on security cameras and the video footage will be shown to the judge at sentence.

Judge Richard Lowden adjourned the case for the preparation of reports.

He granted Withers conditional bail until she is sentenced.

Withers, of Fallow Road in the town, will be back before the court on January 21.