A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with burglary at the Admiral Lord Rodney pub in Colne.

Neil Howard, 43, of Birchenlee Lane, Colne, pleaded not guilty to burglary with intent to steal and was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court to stand trial.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client's not guilty plea was on the basis that he had fallen into the pub through a skylight when he was being chased by 10 men.

He claimed when he was confronted by the landlord in the cellar he was looking for a way out.