A three-day trial will be held next year over allegations that a huntsman raped a woman at a ball.

John Norrish, 67, did not offer a plea but Exeter Crown Court was told he is contesting the charge he faces and it will go to trial.

Norrish, of Mouseberry Farm, East Worlington, is accused of raping a woman at the event near Crediton on July 2.

A case management hearing will take place on January 6 and the three-day-long hearing is set to start on May 14, 2012.