A FORMER council chairman has appeared in court to deny stealing money from a community association in his ward.

Alex Clements spoke only to confirm his name and address and to plead not guilty to two charges of theft, when he appeared at Sedgefield Magistrates' Court, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, yesterday.

The 60-year-old is accused of taking a total of £3,738 from Henknowle Community Association in Bishop Auckland.

He faces two separate charges of stealing cash to the value of £1,738.41, in 2004, and the theft of £2,000 on July 30, the same year.

The charges follow a three-month investigation by Durham Police's economic crime unit.

Mr Clements, from Selby Close, St Helen Auckland, stepped aside from his role as chairman of Wear Valley District Council following his arrest in October.

His membership of the Labour Party was suspended at the same time.

The council's vice-chairman, Councillor Eddie Murphy, who represents Crook, is covering Mr Clements' duties.

A councillor of five years, Mr Clements was elected to the chairman's post last May following a year as vice- chairman.

He held a number of voluntary posts in his Henknowle ward, including chairman of governors at St Andrew's Primary School, and played a leading role in Playdays, a holiday scheme for disabled children in Bishop Auckland.

He was released on unconditional bail and will appear before Sedgefield Magistrates' Court again on March 22, at 2pm, for committal proceedings.