A LEADING fireman has appeared in court accused of impersonating a police constable.

Station Officer Nick Isherwood said today he was determined to fight to clear his name.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue said it had not suspended Isherwood, who serves at Nelson.

Isherwood, 41, of Padiham Road, Sabden, pleaded not guilty to the offence, which is alleged to have been committed in the Blackburn area in December last year.

Magistrates at Blackburn granted Isherwood unconditional bail and the case was adjourned until October 3.

He said after the hearing: "I have obviously pleaded not guilty and I am determined to fight to clear my name.

"I have served in the fire service for 23 years and want to continue to serve the people of Lancashire.

"I am determined to prove that I have done nothing wrong."

Isherwood is originally from Blackburn and has previously served in Accrington.

While acting assistant divisional officer for Burnley, he was responsible for multi-agency crime and disorder work.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said Isherwood had not been suspended while the case was under way and was continuing his duties as normal.

He refused to comment further.