A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates following activity by online paedophile hunters called Defending The Innocent.

Simon Gore, 30, of Berkley Crescent, Padiham, is charged with engaging in sexual conversation with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl, attempting to incite the same "girl" to engage in sexual activity, attempting to meet her following grooming and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

He was sent to Burnley Crown Court.