A man has denied buying and selling leopard skin and elephant ivory.

Both items are banned from sale under laws brought in to control the trade in endangered species.

Shane David Ball, 27, faces four charges brought under the legislation, all of which he denies.

Each of the charges were put to him today during a 15-minute hearing before Judge Peter Davies at Carlisle Crown Court.

Ball, of Derwent Avenue, Seaton, is due to go on trial at the crown court in the new year.

He was remanded on bail.