THE trial of a Selkirk man accused of causing unnecessary suffering to horses in his care has been put off until the summer.

Nick Mill, of Ettrickhaugh Road, previously denied the two charges at the town's sheriff court and a trial was fixed for April 25.

But at an intermediate hearing it was stated that pressure of business on that day with other trials meant it was unlikely to go ahead.

As a result a new trial date has been set for July 2.

The 51-year-old has been charged under the Animal Health and Welfare Scotland Act.

It is alleged he failed to get proper veterinary care for a horse that was emaciated and another which had an infected tail.

The offences are said to have happened at the Lauriston Stables in Ettrickhaugh Road between April 26 and July 31 last year.