TWO men have been accused of conspiring together to create a fake will for somebody who died intestate.

Darlington man Darren Paul Hart, 41, and Peter Atkinson, a 26-year-old from Barnard Castle are alleged to have worked together to conceal the fact that Ronald Hart died without leaving a will.

It is said that the two men produced a will said to have been written by Ronald Hart before his death and later swore oaths to confirm its validity.

Mr Hart, of Lazenby Grove, and Mr Atkinson, of The Mill, Mickleton, both faced charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice when they appeared before Darlington Magistrates Court today (Tuesday August 20).

No pleas were entered and the case was committed to Teesside Crown Court, where it will be heard on Tuesday September 3.

Both men have been released on conditional bail until then.