A PENSIONER accused of causing serious injury to two women by dangerous driving near a Lake District beauty spot has been told he will go on trial in the new year.

Anthony Paul Lonton, 77, of Clappersgate, Ambleside, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court facing two charges.

From the dock, Lonton pleaded not guilty today to allegations that he caused serious injury to both Sybil Parker and Rebecca Pattinson by dangerous driving while behind the wheel of a Kia Ceed.

The charges are said to arise out of a two-vehicle crash on the A591, in the Thirlmere area, on the late afternoon of July 16 2015.

Ms Parker was said to have been a front seat passenger in the Kia, while Ms Pattinson was a passenger in the other vehicle involved in the collision, a Seat.

It was reported at the time that two women were airlifted to two separate hospitals following the incident.

Lonton was told his trial would take place on April 23, 2018.

Judge Peter Davies also told the defendant he must attend a hearing at the crown court ahead of his trial earlier in the year.

In the meantime, Lonton was granted unconditional bail by Judge Davies.