Ian Stafford resigned as mayor of Preesall over the underwear thefts

A former mayor of a Lancashire town has admitted breaking into women's homes and stealing their underwear.

Ian Stafford, 59, of Sandycroft Place, Preesall, resigned as mayor of Preesall when he was arrested in connection with the missing garments.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary at Preston Crown Court.

Female residents called in police after their underwear kept disappearing and one victim even installed a hidden camera in her bedroom.

His barrister Richard Haworth said he had no previous convictions.

Judge Philip Sycamore gave the part-time handyman and gardener bail but told him not to "draw any conclusions" from that about his sentence.

"All sentencing options are open," he said.

The case was adjourned until 5 February for pre-sentencing reports.

The burglaries took place at buildings in Poulton-le-Fylde and Stalmine between 1 January and 26 June last year.