Durham Crown Court heard Helen Walker left the note for around £31,000 in the safe at Buckingham Bingo in Peterlee, where she worked for five years.

In addition to the theft she admitted another charge of fraud to the sum of £500, which was gained after cashing in vouchers normally handed out to entice customers in to the venue.

The 39-year-old, from Galloway Road, Peterlee, was paid £46,000 a year as manager of the Yoden Way bingo hall, but allowed her debts to escalate and she stopped paying bills.

Jane Waugh, defending, said the practice of leaving amounts borrowed from the safe of the company and notes left on an envelope was accepted amongst staff and the theft happened as Walker's relationship with her girlfriend broke down.

The couple had a daughter, now aged 19-months, who she only saw at weekends following the break-up.

Judge Guy Whitburn sentenced Walker to 15 months for the theft, with a further six months to be served concurrently for the charge of fraud.