A former scout master will stand trial after denying a host of alleged indecent assaults on young boys.

Norman Thompson, 65, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today.

During a hearing before Judge Peter Davies he denied a total of 21 charges.

Thompson entered not guilty pleas to 20 alleged historical indecent assaults, and also one count of making indecent photographs of a child.

The indecent assault charges relate to a number of different male victims, and cover a period of around 16 years.

Thompson, of Wigton, is due to go on trial at the crown court in early May next year.

It is estimated the hearing will last around seven days.

In the meantime Thompson, who was represented in court by lawyer Alison Whalley, was remanded on conditional bail by Judge Davies.