A DATE has been set for the trial of a former councillor accused of offences involving a charity transport scheme.

Charles Graham Smith is alleged to have stolen unspecified amounts from Darlington Dial-a-Ride, of which he was treasurer.

Mr Smith previously appeared at Durham Crown Court and denied two charges of theft, plus further counts of forging and using a forged letter for accounting purposes, inducing the recipient to believe it was genuine.

A provisional date of February 21 was fixed for the two-week trial at the court yesterday. Mr Smith was not present. That date will be confirmed within the next fortnight subject to availability of all witnesses.

Mr Smith, a former Conservative member of Darlington Borough Council, has been bailed to an address in Woodland Road in the town, until the trial in February.