Former Devizes mayor Tim Price is facing trial on sex offences dating back 40 years, despite having cancer.

Price, 56, of Waiblingen Way, Devizes, appeared at a premilinary hearing at Salisbury Crown Court today.

He was not asked to plead to the four charges of indecent assault and one of gross indecency with a boy aged under 16 that date back to between February 17, 1974, and February 17, 1980.

Instead, the case was adjourned to a plea and case management hearing at Salisbury Crown Court on June 27.

If a trial goes ahead, it is likely to take place at Winchester Crown Court on November 3.

The court heard that Price has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and has been given two years to live.

He was released on unconditional bail.

Price was mayor of Devizes in 2000/2001. He formerly worked for brewers Wadworth as a filtration operative.

A keen motorcyclist, he is a longstanding member of the Moonrakers Motorcycle Club.