AN Edgworth man has denied causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of horses in his care.

Phil Davies, 65, is being prosecuted on 21 counts by the RSPCA after concerns were raised over the welfare of five horses and two foals he kept on land at York Lane, Langho and Lumb Carr Road, in Holcombe, near Ramsbottom, between December 2011, and February, this year.

He also faces 56 cases in relation to animals kept at Edgworth. Davies has denied those charges and is due to appear for trial at Hyndburn Magistrates Court on October 22. The farmer, of Quarlton Manor Farm, in Plantation Road, Edgworth was given unconditional bail until his next hearing relating to the additional charges on November 26.