A 53-year-old Tyneside man faces trial this summer accused of possessing forged British Petroleum share certificates.

John Armstrong made a brief appearance at London's Southwark Crown Court charged with "having a false instrument contrary to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act".

Mr Armstrong, of St Buran Crescent, Newcastle, denies being in possession of the fake bonds between January and April last year, together with "other documents you knew or believed to be false". He was granted unconditional ball until August 8. Legal aid was awarded.