TWO men will go on trial accused of a series of robbery and weapon charges.

Luke Dobie and Damian Hadfield, both 21, appeared before Teesside Crown Court where they denied the allegations.

Both men are said to have stolen a phone, cigarettes, money and a purse during a robbery on January 29.

Mr Hadfield is also accused of robbing £100 from a woman on February 2, and having a bladed article – a machete – in the street on January 29.

Mr Dobie is charges with the robbery of a till and contents on February 2, and having a knife in a public place on the same day.

Mr Dobie, of Rugby Street, Hartlepool, appeared in court via a live video-link from Durham Prison, and his co-accused, of Third Street, Horden, County Durham, was brought to court from custody.

Both men were further remanded in custody by Judge Stephen Ashurst until their planned trial, which is expected to last three days, begins on July 23.