A woman has been sent to trial accused of harassing Liverpool comedian Ken Dodd and his partner.

At Preston Crown Court, Ruth Tagg, 34, has denied two charges of harassing Mr Dodd and his girlfriend Anne Jones.

Tagg, of St John's Crescent in Bedminster, Bristol, is accused of sending a dead rat and three t-shirts bearing offensive messages to Ms Jones.

She is also accused of sending letters and cards to the couple, attending Mr Dodd's shows and sitting in a prominent place, and sending him six indecent photographs.

Tagg was remanded to a Bristol hospital under the Mental Health Act until her trial, which starts in November.

Mr Dodd, acclaimed for his marathon comedy performances, has been with Ms Jones for 13 years.

The couple live in Knotty Ash in Liverpool.