A WOMAN who claims she was one of two friends sexually abused when they were schoolgirls has been accused of making up the allegations to win compensation.

Defence barrister Nigel Edwards made the suggestion on the second day of the trial of Peter Large who is facing three counts of indecent assault and six of indecency with a child dating back more than 20 years.

Mr Large, 51, of Bisley Court, Darlington, who was married and had children of his own, denies the charges which are said to have happened between June 1982 and July 1984.

A jury at Teesside Crown Court has heard allegations that he preyed on the two young girls for sex after befriending them and repaid them with cigarettes and money.

But Mr Edwards yesterday accused one of the alleged victims, now aged 33, of hatching a plan with her friend to win money from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

He suggested the idea came to them as they drank wine one night shortly after Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were murdered by Soham school caretaker Ian Huntley and after learning Mr Large was successful in business.

But the woman replied: "I think that's a ridiculous thing to say. Why would I do that?"

Giving evidence earlier, her friend accused Mr Large of "stealing her childhood" and also denied making up the allegations.

It is said Mr Large took naked photographs of the girls and would often drive them to a lay-by near Teesside Airport where he committed sex acts in front of them and touched them indecently.

The trial continues.