Drax protesters deny train charge

More than two dozen people have denied a charge of obstructing a coal train on its way to Drax power station in North Yorkshire during a protest this summer.

A total of 29 people were charged with making or showing a false emergency stop signal to the train driver.

They are also accused of occupying the train and a bridge to prevent the train from continuing its journey in June.

All but two of them entered pleas of not guilty at York Crown Court on Friday and were given conditional bail.

The other two, who were excused from attending court, have indicated they will be entering not guilty pleas.

All were granted conditional bail and are due to appear in court again on 15 January when it is expected a trial date and venue will be fixed.