A huntsman has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman at a hunt ball last summer. John Norrish, 67, who is a member of the Tiverton Staghounds, denied the charge during a brief hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

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

Judge Graham Cottle adjourned the case for a trial which has already been fixed for May 14.

Norrish, who appeared in the dock wearing a tweed jacket and Staghounds tie, was released on bail until his next appearance.