FOUR men have appeared in court accused of years of alleged physical and sexual abuse of young boys at a Catholic school.

Edward Egan, Michael Murphy, Timothy Foxall and William Don appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday to face charges alleging abuse at the former St Ninian's school in Falkland, Fife run by the Irish Christian Brothers.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place between 1978 and 1983.

Egan, 76, of Altrincham, faced two charges of assault, two of using lewd indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour and one of sexual assault. Murphy, 74, of Dunfermline, faced two charges of assault, while Foxall, 63, of Hexham, was charged with one assault on a 14-year-old boy. Don, 60, of Windygates Road, Leven, faced two charges of assault.

All four made no plea or declaration and were granted bail.