THE case against a former Mary Tavy parish councillor, accused of falsely claiming disability benefits, has been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. The case was due to be heard next month, in a trial scheduled to last three days.

Michael Cook, 59, was anonymously reported to the Department of Work and Pensions in May 2012 for allegedly making false claims.

He had denied failing to notify a change of circumstances which would affect his payments.

The CPS has now decided to discontinue with the case, following medical evidence from an orthopaedic surgeon. His assessment supported Mr Cook's claims for Disability Living Allowance.

Mr Cook said he was 'delighted' by the news: 'I can now resume the various projects I was involved in for the community and charities.'

Mr Cook became a parish councillor in 2010, and in 2012 became a founder trustee of the Mary Tavy Jubilee Group, a charity which aims to promote community spirit, put on events and raise funds for worthwhile projects in the parish. The group has already undertaken several successful projects for the benefit of the community.

Mr Cook has also been prominent locally for opening his garden to the public, along with his partner, Alison Fife, in aid of charity.

Mr Cook said he stood down as a parish councillor in order to spend time clearing his name: 'This debacle has gone on for almost a year, but at least it is now at an end and I won't need to be worrying about it whilst I am in hospital and recuperating from a total knee replacement, which is due before Christmas.'

Mr Cook said he was grateful to the 'huge number' of people who had shown their support for him.