A man accused of forging a lottery ticket to scoop a £2.5 million jackpot will stand trial in April.

Edward Putman, 53, of Kings Langley, allegedly fraudulently claimed the outstanding prize almost a decade ago.

Putman appeared at St Albans Crown Court today where he denied one count of fraud by false representation on August 28 2009.

The charge relates to an unclaimed National Lottery jackpot dating back to March that year.

The ticket was bought in Worcestershire.

National Lottery operator Camelot paid out the £2,525,485 prize.

Hertfordshire Constabulary previously said their serious fraud and cyber unit began investigating in 2015 after evidence came to light that the claim was not genuine.

Putman, of Station Road, Kings Langley, covered his face as he entered court and filmed members of the media on his phone.

In court, he spoke only to plead not guilty and confirm his address.

Judge Nigel Lithman QC granted him unconditional bail ahead of his trial on April 23 this year.