A retired family doctor charged with the murder of a patient has appeared in court charged with two further murders.

Dr Howard Martin, 71, who practised in Newton Aycliffe, had been previously charged with the murder of Harry Gittins, 74, from the town.

On Monday he appeared at Teesside Crown Court and was accused of the murders of Frank Moss, 80, and Stanley Weldon, 74.

Dr Martin, of Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd, North Wales, had denied the murder of Mr Gittins.

No pleas were entered on the new charges.

He was granted bail to appear back at Teesside Crown Court on 17 June.