Former BBC presenter Michael Souter leaves Norwich Crown Court. Photo credit: Chris Radburn/PA Wire

A freelance travel writer and former BBC Radio Norfolk presenter has denied a series of sexual offences against children.

Michael Souter, 59, of Low Bungay Road, Loddon, appeared at Norwich Crown Court yesterday where he pleaded not guilty to all 20 counts on the indictment 19 of which relate to boys plus one against a woman.

Souter, who wore glasses, a dark suit and blue tie, spoke only to confirm his name and enter not guilty pleas to all counts.

The charges relate to seven different boys, the youngest of which was 11 at the time and the oldest 16.

The offences, which include indecent assault, indecency with a child and serious sexual offences, are alleged to have happened between 1979 and 1999.

Souter was granted conditional bail until the next crown court hearing on May 20.

A trial date has been set for June 3 with the case expected to last five weeks.

The defendant was one of the original team recruited by BBC Radio Norfolk when it first opened in 1980 and presented a number of shows.