AN AWARD-winning canalside pub landlord has appeared in court charged with assaulting a neighbour.

Philip Entwistle, 52, of Copthurst Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, appeared before Chorley magistrates yesterday accused of causing actual bodily harm to 50-year-old university lecturer Peter Brynn Jones on January 23 this year.

Mr Entwistle is the licensee of the Top Lock pub, Copthurst Lane, Heapey.

The alleged assault is said to have taken place on a car park next to the pub, which has won awards for its ale.

Entwistle entered a plea of not guilty and elected for trial at crown court in front of a judge and jury.

The bench, chaired by Mr Emery JP, ordered Entwistle to surrender his pub licence to the court, pending the outcome of proceedings.

Entwistle will re-appear before Chorley magistrates on Wednesday, April 22 for committal proceedings.