The former agent of TV star Ricky Tomlinson has appeared in court accused of trying to steal more than �26,000 from him.

Patrick Nyland, 58, is charged with one count of attempting to obtain money by deception and one charge of forgery.

Mr Nyland did not enter a plea before magistrates in Liverpool on Wednesday and the case was adjourned until 20 November.

The charges relate to a TV advert allegedly arranged by Mr Nyland in which Mr Tomlinson was to appear.

Mr Nyland, who works from his home in Heaton Chapel, Stockport, also represents actor Bruce Jones, who plays Coronation Street's Les Battersby.

He represented Mr Tomlinson, star of the Royle Family and Cracker, from 1993 until August last year.