A MAN has admitted being involved in one of two ram raids on village co-op stores just a few miles apart on Boxing Day.

Jason Kennedy pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal, at the Trimdon branch of the Co-op, on December 26, at about 2.30am

Both Kennedy and co-accused Stuart William Anthony Harris deny attempted burglary at a further Co-op branch, in Blackhall Colliery, at 3.10am that morning.

In both cases a car was used to ram the front of the stores, in a bid to force entry into the premises.

Mr Harris also denies burglary and three theft charges, all said to have taken place MT Haulage, on Parsons Road, Peterlee, between December 14 and 17, as well as burglary at Helmington Row Service Station, near Crook, in which cigarettes and a quantity of alcohol were taken, on January 7.

The case was adjourned for a two-day trial and Kennedy, 23, of Burdon Court, and his 36-year-old co-accused, of Brandlings Way, both Peterlee, were each remanded in custody until the hearing, in the week beginning April 30.