A schoolboy was raped on holiday by another guest at his seaside hotel, a court was told.

A police investigation began after the 12-year-old from County Durham, who has learning difficulties, told his social worker that he had been attacked by a man he called "Gay Boy."

The youngster and his mother were staying in Blackpool, Lancashire, in August last year on a break paid for by The Family Fund.

He alleged that Terence Barwick, 42, twice forced his way into his room, stripped him and raped him.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed that Mr Barwick followed him to the zoo at Blackpool Tower and said: "If you tell anyone I'll kill your family."

A police surgeon was unable to find any signs of injury six weeks later.

The jury at Teesside Crown Court watched a 30-minute video interview with the boy by police.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said Mr Barwick was arrested and made a complete denial. Mr Barwick said he had no idea why the youngster, now 13, should call him Gay Boy.

Mr Dodds said: "The social worker went to see how the family enjoyed the holiday, and she saw that the boy was quiet and not his usual bubbly self. She questioned him and matters came to light and they were reported to the police."

Mr Barwick of Fairfield Walk, Crook, County Durham, denies four charges of rape, a sexual assault on a child under 13 and making a threat to kill. The case continues.