TWO men who are accused of plotting to burgle a Grange convenience store are to stand trial before a jury later this year.

James William Patton, 30, and 41-year-old Dean Neasham, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court over a video link. Mr Patton and Mr Neasham are jointly charged in relation to two counts which allege that they conspired, with unknown others, to commit burglary with intent to steal.

One charge relates to the Spar shop at Main Street, Grange, on November 17 last year; and the other to an address at Fishburn, near Sedgefield, on November 23.

The men entered not guilty pleas to both charges during today's court hearing.

Mr Neasham also denied an alleged burglary, at Castle Oval, in Kendal, on November 21. They are due to stand trial on December 3.

Mr Patton, of Scafell Gardens, Crook, County Durham, and Mr Neasham, whose address was given as HMP Durham, were remanded in custody by Recorder Julie Clemitson.