A DJ who was one of Radio 1's original launch team has appeared in court charged with 41 alleged sex attacks, largely against boys aged nine to 16.

Chris Denning, 73, of Basildon, Essex, confirmed his name, date of birth and address during the hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.

The alleged offences are mostly against boys aged nine to 16 but the alleged indecent assaults also include two alleged attacks on a man aged 16 or over.

Mr Denning is accused of 41 alleged crimes, including 34 counts of indecent assault, four counts of gross indecency and three counts of buggery between 1967 and 1985. There are 22 alleged victims.

He was ordered to next appear in custody at London's Southwark Crown Court on June 6.

Mr Denning was one of the original Radio 1 line-up when the station was launched in 1967. He was the first announcer heard on BBC2 when the TV channel took to the air in 1964.