TWO children are facing a crown court trial after being accused of kidnapping an eight-year-old boy.

The pair, aged 11 and 13, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are also facing charges of unlawful imprisonment, indecently assaulting a boy under 14, assault on the youngster, and carrying an offensive weapon.

All the charges relate to an incident on April 24, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

The youths are due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, August 31.

Both spoke only to confirm their names and addresses when they appeared at Bishop Auckland Youth Court yesterday.

They have been released on bail and are both subject to curfews at their home addresses.

The 11-year-old has been ordered to remain in his home between 9pm and 6am, and is only allowed out when accompanied by his mother, his aunts, a member of the youth offending team, social services or another named adult.

The 13-year-old must comply with bail supervision, remain at one of two addresses listed with the court between the hours of 9pm and 7am, and is not allowed to leave the house unless he is accompanied by his parents, grandmother, a member of the youth engagement service, a social worker or to attend school.

Both boys have been told they must not interfere directly or indirectly with prosecution witnesses.