A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged in connection with an incident outside the Poplar Social Club in Accrington on Friday night when an imitation firearm was allegedly produced.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, told the court two men had been in the smoking area of the club when they were approached by a man who asked for a cigarette.

When they refused he showed them the firearm and said: "Are you sure about that?"

Yves Haworth Tempels, 36, of Nuttall Street, Accrington, was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court charged with possessing an imitation firearm in Wellington Street.

He was also charged with indecently exposing himself in McDonald's on Hyndburn Road in November.

He pleaded not guilty to that matter which was adjourned for a trial to take place.