AN Edgworth man accused of 56 counts of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of horses in his care will stand trial.

Phil Davies, 64, is being prosecuted by the RSPCA after concerns were raised over the welfare of 16 horses kept on his land near Plantation Road, Edgworth.

The farmer, of Quarlton Manor Farm, also in Plantation Road, previously pleaded not guilty at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court.

A plea and case management hearing was held at Blackburn magistrates yesterday.

Davies will stand trial in a six-day hearing at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court on October 22.