Arson allegations have been denied by a 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to Mill End Community Centre.

Nicholas Poole is alleged to have caused around £10,000 of damage to the kitchen and fittings of the centre, in Church Lane, on Tuesday, April 3.

It is alleged Poole was working as a part-time member of the bar staff deliberately set fire to the kitchen shortly after arriving at work one day, before telephoning the emergency services.

Poole, of Northdown Road, Chalfont St Peter, pleaded not guilty to the allegations at St Albans Crown Court yesterday.

He was released on bail to stand trial in March.