An officer with the Kent fire service has denied stealing £20,200 from a hardship fund.

Ian Young, of Kingfisher Road, Larkfield, is alleged to have taken the money from a bank account in January 2006.

The 44-year-old was granted unconditional bail at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday until his trial, which will take place after February 13.

The Kent Fire Brigade Hardship Fund was established in 2002 to assist the families of firefighters taking part in a national strike.