SIX men alleged to be part of a criminal gang are to stand trial next year.

Brothers Brian and Ronald Thexton, originally from Witton Park, in County Durham, will be standing trial at Preston Crown Court on January 8.

Brian Thexton, 43, of White Lund Road, Morecambe, and Ronald Thexton, 35, of Park Road, Witton Park deny conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit burglary.

Andrew Maddox, 39, of Lincoln Drive, Willington, Connor Palmer, 22, of Burnhope Close, Willington, and Michael Campbell, 37, whose address was not recorded with the court, deny conspiracy to steal.

Jordan Fannan, 27, of Oxcliffe Road, Heysham, in Morecambe, denies burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary and fraud.

Another pre-trial hearing takes place on September 16.