A MAN has appeared in court accused of a series of sexual offences relating to two young boys.

Stephen Page, 45, of Ashdale Road, Consett, appeared via video link at Durham Crown Court today charged with 12 offences, including rape, sexual assault, attempted rape and the possession of indecent photographs.

Eight of the charges allegedly involve one of the boys, while a further four involve the other.

Page pleaded not guilty to raping child the older boy in July 2014, but guilty to inciting the same victim to engage in a sexual act, between July and September 2014.

He further denied a charge of raping a child, between August and September 2014 and not guilty to two further charges of rape in April 2015, as well as sexual assault between July and September 2015. Mr Page also denied a charge of rape between July and September 2015.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on a person under 13 between January and March 2016, but denied a charge of attempted rape against the same person in March 2016.

Page admitted a charge of possession of indecent images of the younger boy.

He was remanded in custody to face trial on January 30.