A FORMER Tendring Council leader is to face trial on firearms charges.

Peter Balbirnie denied possessing a .22 sound moderator – a silencer – and a single 12-bore solid slug cartridge without a licence, when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The case was adjourned for a trial date to be fixed and the 66-year-old was granted bail.

The charges allege Balbirnie did not have a firearms certificate for the items, which were found at his home in Larkfield Road, Great Bentley on June 11, 2009.

Balbirnie was chairman of Tendring Council from 2007-8 and has been a district councillor for almost 30 years.

He is also on Little Clacton, Weeley and Great Bentley parish councils.