A man appeared in court today accused of tricking Tycroes Rugby Club out of more than £7,000 by promising to supply an X Factor winner for their Party On The Pitch event in 2011.

Marvin Middlecoate, aged 45, denied a charge of fraud and a separate charge of theft during a plea and case management hearing at Swansea Crown Court.

The club thought that Alexandra Burke would be the star of the club’s popular annual event.

Middlecoate, of Crenhive in Kent, was told by Judge Peter Heywood he would stand trial before a jury on September 11.

He was granted bail, meanwhile.