A 35-YEAR-OLD Barnoldswick man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with attempting to con elderly people out of money.

Samuel Simmonite, of Philip Street, is charged with attempting to steal £30 from 78-year-old cancer sufferer James Cheetham, and attempting to steal £30 from pensioner Shirley Nicholas by falsely claiming to have done building work for them and demanding payment.

Simmonite pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded in custody to appear before Burnley magistrates.