AN ESTATE agent has pleaded not guilty to a charge involving mortgage fraud.

Stuart Edwards, who has offices in Durham and Darlington, denied one of four charges that he made a false instrument when he appeared at Durham Crown Court.

Mr Edwards, 52, of Barnes View, High Barnes, Sunderland, is also facing four charges of obtaining a money transfer by deception.

His barrister, Glen Gatland, told the court he would be entering not guilty pleas to the other charges.

The case was transferred to Teesside Crown Court after Mr Gatland said his client had business interests in the Durham and Newcastle areas.

It will be heard on a date yet to be fixed.