A MAN is to face trial by jury on a string of sex offences against children dating back almost 30 years.

Peter Swindells, of Holly Bush, Horningsham, near Warminster, is accused of indecently assaulting two boys and a girl, all of whom were under the age of 14 at the time.

The 61-year-old pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault when he appeared before a judge at Swindon crown court.

Swindells, who walks with a stick and recently had a heart attack, is said to have carried out a sex attack on the young girl in February 1980.

The second charge relates to a young boy and is said to have taken place between late February 1980 and early August 1984.

The final charge, again against a boy under 14 years, is said to have taken place between the start of 1993 and the end of 1995.

Swindells, who is balding and with a white goatee beard, denied all of the allegations and will face trial by jury on Monday June 2.

He was released on bail on condition he does not have any contact with the complainants, none of whom can be named for legal reasons.